Oakmont students and staff who are all about hockey weighed in on the Gold Medal victories – See below.
Name: Ed Fitzgerald
Year Born: A long time ago.
What you have heard/remember about the 1980 Miracle Gold Victory:
The 1980 “Miracle On Ice” game single-handedly pulled the country together. Everyone I knew stopped what they were doing to watch that game. That year, the Olympics were basically in our backyard. The U.S. team had gotten crushed in an exhibition game with the Soviets earlier. At that time, only amateurs could compete, so it was mostly all college kids playing against a team of men, all believed to be in the Red Army. Athletically, one of the proudest moments in U.S. history. The win represented more than just a game. During the Cold War Era, It represented a way of life. The U.S. went on to beat Finland to win the gold medal.
Your thoughts on the men’s and women’s gold medal victories in the 2026 Olympics:
For the U.S. men and women to pull off gold medal wins against their arch rivals, Canada, is obviously something very special. Especially at a time when there has been a lot of political rhetoric between the two countries. Every time these two teams play, they bring out the best in each other, as both games this time went to overtime. The men’s game was probably the best ice hockey game that I have ever watched. The game itself was special. How often do you get the chance to go from goat to hero? But what I thought was even more special were all the back stories and side stories that went with the men’s team. Those, too, are what people will remember about this game. Hockey is a true brotherhood/sisterhood.
Name: Eleni Marinelli
Year Born: 1986
What you have heard/remember about 1980 Miracle Gold Victory:
The film Miracle (2004) was the first time I learned about the 1980 US Olympic Men’s Hockey Team and their gold medal win. It became a source of not just motivation for me but also for my teammates. That still holds true today! After some of my own research, I was inspired by the belief that a united, disciplined team with depth and the right determination can achieve anything.
Your thoughts on the men’s and women’s gold medal victories in the 2026 Olympics:
The men’s victory over Canada was absolutely thrilling, with unforgettable performances against a truly dominant Canadian squad. However, having lived through the growth of girls’ and women’s hockey (where there wasn’t always a girls’ team to join), watching the women win gold was incredibly powerful. The team’s depth was unreal. Seeing familiar names from the PWHL and colleges highlights just how much the game has grown over the years, thanks to leaders like Hilary Knight and pioneers like Cammi Granato.
Name: Ayla Robertson
Year Born: 2010
What you have heard/remember about 1980 Miracle Gold Victory:
The Miracle Gold Victory was when the US men’s national ice hockey team defeated the heavily favored Soviet Union men’s team at the 1980 Winter Olympics. I don’t have much knowledge on it, but I know it was a huge deal during the Cold War.
Your thoughts on the men’s and women’s gold medal victories in the 2026 Olympics:
These games were some of the best hockey I’ve ever watched. The US men’s team won their first Olympic gold since 1980 in overtime, and the women winning gold too. Both teams beating Canada 2-1 in overtime was thrilling and an unforgettable moment.
Name: Sam Dunn
Year Born: 2007
What you have heard/remember about 1980 Miracle Gold Victory:
Coach Herb Brooks built his USA team based on character and how they would play together, going against what others believed the team should look like. The team eventually won gold, defeating the heavy favorites, the Soviets, in the semi-finals and Finland in the Gold medal game. Unified all of America at this point in time.
Your thoughts on the men’s and women’s gold medal victories in the 2026 Olympics:
Both of these wins were bigger than just a gold medal for both teams. These wins symbolized a statement from the USA, that hockey should not be overlooked and that this country can compete with the best of the best. Canada is always looked at as the big brother of the USA in terms of hockey, and this tournament proved that we are right there with Canada. Star players such as Jack Hughes and Megan Keller, who scored the winning goals, are now looked at as heroes in the USA, as their winning goals brought our country together with two gold medals. Two unbelievable games to watch as well.
Name: Cody Leblanc
Year Born: 2007
What you have heard/remember about the 1980 Miracle Gold Victory:
The 1980 USA Team will go down as one of the best teams in history. Coach Herb Brooks chose the team through what he saw for talent and ignored other board members’ opinions. Against others’ disagreement, he brought his team to the gold medal game against Finland, which was a very important and emotional game. Before the gold medal game, they played the Soviet Union, who were known to be a powerhouse; this win meant more to some people than Finland. Defying the odds, Coach Brooks led his team to a win that meant more than hockey. This game impacted the whole world.
Your thoughts on the men’s and women’s gold medal victories in the 2026 Olympics:
These games were some of the best hockey I have ever watched, high intensity, huge plays, fast pace. Both games were very emotional, but the men’s game was more than just playing for gold. They played for their team and country, with all the back stories and emotions through the game and before, it led to a game that will go down in history next to the 1980 game. These games have shown that hockey is more than just a sport, It is a family that players for not only themselves but everyone around them. Truly a very memorable moment.
Name: Cam Scerbo
Year Born: 2008
What you have heard/remember about the 1980 Miracle Gold Victory:
The coach took an unconventional approach to creating the team. It was a huge deal during the Cold War, beating the Soviets, who were known to be the best in the world. It was a unifying moment for all of America.
Your thoughts on the men’s and women’s gold medal victories in the 2026 Olympics:
I think it’s awesome that both teams won, Canada beat the men’s US in the 4 Nations tournament, and we have lost to them before in the Olympics. It felt good to finally beat them. I’m sure nobody is happy about us winning right now, though, because a lot of other countries really don’t like the US right now. Also, the men’s game was literally the best hockey I’ve ever seen played in my entire life.
Officer Max Rameau
Born in 1994
My only knowledge of the 1980 Miracle Gold Victory comes from the movie, Miracle. As a hockey fan, I loved it, and I felt the movie showed how big of a moment that was.
For the recent Men’s and Women’s Gold, I think it’s great! I did not know that the Men haven’t won gold since 1980. The game was exciting, and the matchup against Canada really showcased the best players. I feel the Women’s victory is a display of how much America invests in women’s sports and youth sports,s which is not nearly as developed in other countries.
Chloe Demar
What you have heard/remember about the 1980 Miracle Gold Victory:
The 1980 Miracle Goal Victory was more than just a win for our team; it was an impactful and emotional achievement during the Cold War that was led to victory by Coach Herb Brookes, who ran his team the way he saw fit, despite the opinions of others.
Your thoughts on the men’s and women’s gold medal victories in the 2026 Olympics:
This year’s games were incredible to watch. The dedication of our U.S players, both men and women, is something that can’t be overlooked. In times when our country feels divided over many topics and ideals, it is amazing to see how something like hockey can bring us together and build a sense of unity and patriotism. Both teams have set a high bar for themselves, and I look forward to seeing the energy they bring next year.
