February marks the forty fifth anniversary of the Individuals beating the closely favored Soviet Union on the best way to the gold medal on dwelling ice in Lake Placid.
WASHINGTON — A invoice was launched within the U.S. Home of Representatives on Tuesday to award Congressional Gold Medals to the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” Olympic hockey team that defeated the closely favored Soviet Union in Lake Placid, New York, at a interval of excessive stress throughout the Chilly Struggle.
Congressman Pete Stauber, R-Minn., launched the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act together with co-sponsors Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., and Mike Quigley, D-Unwell.
“What they did for our nation at that second, I’ll always remember,” Stauber mentioned in a telephone interview. “It’s one of many defining sports activities moments in my lifetime, and I’m so proud that we may give this Congressional Medal to every member of that Olympic staff to say thanks for the recollections we are going to always remember as a nation.”
The plan can be for the creation of three medals: one to go on show at the usHockey Corridor of Fame in Eveleth, Minnesota, one other on the Lake Placid Olympic Middle and the third on the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Stefanik, whose district consists of Lake Placid, mentioned the staff “taught our nation easy methods to imagine in miracles.”
“(The) group is proud to be dwelling of this historic and galvanizing occasion, and as we work to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the ‘Miracle on Ice,’ this laws honors our Olympic victors for his or her legendary achievement,” Stefanik mentioned.
Stauber, who was 13 on the time earlier than occurring to play at Lake Superior State and a handful of years professionally within the minors, and his workers have been working with USA Hockey to get this to the Home ground for consideration. It’s anticipated to be debated for consideration solely after the election within the lame duck session of congress.
“I don’t suppose anyone actually has to consider whether or not they assist it or not,” Stauber mentioned. “I hope all 535 members of congress attain the conclusion sure they deserve it after which the president indicators it.”
The deaths of gamers lately, Mark Wells in Could and Mark Pavelich in 2021, together with coach Herb Brooks in 2003, have added urgency to the method.
“The timing for all of us is of the essence as a result of we would like these members to have the ability to cherish and admire this throughout their lifetime,” Stauber mentioned. “I feel that bestowing this highest honor upon them is necessary.”
Stauber mentioned he was going to work as exhausting as he can to cross the laws “the earlier the higher.” Feb. 22 marks the forty fifth anniversary of the Individuals upsetting the Soviets 4-3 on the best way to Olympic gold on dwelling ice days later with a victory in opposition to Finland to shut out the medal spherical.
“We’re going to push it, I’m going to push it as exhausting and as quick as I can so we will rejoice in Lake Placid with the remaining residing members of that staff that gave us that superb second in February of 1980,” Stauber mentioned.
