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Hickenlooper, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Award Congressional Gold Medals to Members of the “Miracle on Ice” Olympic Hockey Team

Jan 24, 2025

One medal will be displayed in Colorado Springs U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper joined nine Senate colleagues to introduce the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act, legislation which would award three Congressional Gold Medals to members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team who defeated the Soviet Union team at the 1980 Winter Olympic Games.

“Miracles happen when Americans unite behind our shared values,” said Hickenlooper. “These Congressional Gold Medals honor the team members who remind us of the enduring strength of the American spirit. Colorado will be proud to display one of these medals in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum.”

In the game referred to as the “Miracle on Ice” the U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team, composed of 20 amateur collegiate hockey players, defied expectations by defeating the four-time Olympic champion Soviet Union team.

This award would highlight the players’ key role in reinvigorating American patriotism during a challenging era in U.S. history.

The three Congressional Gold Medals will be displayed at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum in Colorado, the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in Minnesota, and the Lake Placid Olympic Center in New York.

Full text of the bill is available HERE.

“The 1980 U.S. Olympic Men’s Hockey Team is most deserving of receiving the Congressional Gold Medal,” said Pat Kelleher, Executive Director of USA Hockey. “Their unlikely run to the gold medal in Lake Placid, which included a historic win over the Soviet Union, inspired our nation at what was a very trying time. We encourage fans to contact their congressional representatives in support of this bill and its passage.”

“The most special moments in sports actually transcend the playing surface,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. “Truly rare are those that captivate an entire nation and still resound nearly half a century later. The 1980 U.S. Olympic Men’s Hockey Team’s stunning victory over the Soviets in Lake Placid, New York, and its gold medal-clinching triumph over Finland two days later comprise perhaps the most memorable and impactful achievement in the history of athletics. We at the National Hockey League enthusiastically support the introduction of the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act and look forward to its passage in Congress and eventual signing by the president.”

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