What the Miracle Men did after Lake Placid Glory
Oct 06, 2006
This week marks the 25th anniversary of the "Miracle on Ice", when Team USA captured the hearts of the Nation with their stunning defeat of the mighty Soviets and Gold Medal victory in the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. Here's what those 21 men who brought the Gold home have been up to in the years since:
Herb Brooks, head coach - The architect behind the miracle went on to coach the New York Rangers from 1980-85 where he led the club to the postseason in all four seasons behind the bench. He later coached the Minnesota North Stars, New Jersey Devils and Pittsburgh Penguins compiling a combined 219-221-66 coaching record in seven years in the NHL. After his coaching stint with the Penguins he became a consultant and scout for the club. In 2002 he once again took on the head coaching duties for team USA in the Salt Lake Olympic Games after coaching the French team in 1998. Tragically, Brooks was killed in a car crash in August 2003 at the age of 66.
Bill Baker, defenseman - After Lake Placid, Baker broke into the NHL with the Montreal Canadiens in the 1980-81 season. He later went on to play for the Colorado Rockies, St. Louis Blues and Rangers. In all, Baker played in 143 games in the NHL recording 7 goals and 25 assists. Now, he is an oral surgeon for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates in Brainerd, Minnesota.
Neal Broten, forward - Broten went on to have a great NHL career after capturing the gold. A staple of the Minnesota North Stars from 1980-1991, he later played for the New Jersey Devils - where he captured the Stanley Cup in 1995 - and the Los Angeles Kings in 1996, before finishing out his 17-year career in Dallas in 1997. Broten, a two-time All-Star, notched 289 goals, 634 assists and 923 points in 1099 NHL games. The Dallas Stars retired his No.7 in 1998. Now, the Minnesota native works as a consultant for the Minnesota Wild and owns over 30 horses on his ranch.
Dave Christian, defenseman - Christian was another one of the 'Miracle Men' to have a very successful NHL career. After three productive full seasons with the Winnipeg Jets, he played for the Washington Capitals where he proved to be one of the most consistent right wingers in the league. After the Caps, he had stints with the Boston Bruins, St. Louis Blues and Chicago Blackhawks. In his 16 seasons in the NHL, Christian recorded 340 goals and 773 points. After his NHL days, he co-founded Powerplay Capital Management, a hockey marketing company where he is currently part owner.
 |
Jim Craig, goalie - The backbone of the 1980 team, Craig had a short career in the NHL, playing in 30 games for the Atlanta Flames, Bruins and North Stars. But his days after the NHL have been very busy. He became a business man and consultant and has even received many awards for his work in marketing services. Currently, Craig travels the country as a motivational speaker and is also a Vice President for the Hat Trick Group, a marketing company in Massachusetts.
Mike Eruzione, forward (captain) - The man who scored the game-winning goal against the Soviets never actually made it to the NHL. After Lake Placid, Eruzione worked as a commentator for the Rangers on the Madison Square Garden Network for several years. He also was a broadcaster for the Winter Olympics in 1984, '88, '92 and '94 and Summer Olympics in 1984. Currently, Eruzione is a motivational speaker as well as the Director of Athletic Development for his Alma mater, Boston University.
John Harrington, forward - Harrington stayed on with the U.S. National team for a few more years after 1980 and also played in the 1984 Games in Sarajevo. He went on to coach college hockey with the University of Denver, St. Cloud St. and is currently in his 12th season as head coach of St. John's University in Minnesota where he recently recorded his 200th career coaching victory.
Steve Janaszak, goalie - The backup goaltender of the miracle team, played in just one game with the North Stars in 1980 and two games with the Colorado Rockies in 1981. Currently he is a bond salesman for the financial corporation, Robert W. Baird and Company in the New York suburbs.
Mark Johnson, forward - Team USA's leading scorer played 11 seasons in the NHL with the Penguins, North Stars, Hartford Whalers and Devils notching 508 points in 669 games. After his playing days, Johnson was an assistant coach with the University of Wisconsin from 1996-2002 and is currently the head coach of the University's women's team.
Rob McClanahan, forward - After a very productive Olympics in 1980, McClanahan played for the Buffalo Sabres, Whalers and Rangers in a five-year NHL career. After that he became an investment broker and is currently Partner and Director of Institutional Trading for Think Equity Partners, an institutional brokering company.
Ken Morrow, defenseman - In the spring of 1980, Morrow became the first person to capture an Olympic gold medal and a Stanley Cup Championship in the same season as a member of the New York Islanders. He was a key member of all four Isles' titles and remained with the club throughout his 10-year career. In 1991 he became an assistant coach with the Islanders and is currently Director of Pro Scouting for the team.
Jack O'Callahan, defenseman - O'Callahan made it to the NHL in 1982 with the Chicago Blackhawks where he stayed until 1987 when he left for a two-year stint with the Devils. After his retirement he returned to Chicago to enter the financial service business. In 1991, he co-founded Beanpot Financial Services and is currently the president of the Winnetka, Illinois company.
Mark Pavelich, forward - One of - if not - the most gifted players on the gold medal team came into the NHL on fire. In his 1981 rookie year with the Rangers, Pavelich scored 33 goals and 43 assists for 76 points in 79 games. He played five more seasons on Broadway and elected to retire at the end of 1986. In the offseason, Herb Brooks convinced him to come play for him with the Minnesota North Stars. After only a 12-game stint he decided to leave to play in Europe. Later, in 1991 he returned to the NHL to play two games with the San Jose Sharks. He recorded 137 goals, 192 assists and 329 points in his 355-game NHL career. He currently lives near Lake Superior in Minnesota and is a real estate developer.
Mike Ramsey, defenseman - Of the 20 members of the team that captured the nation's heart, Ramsey had the longest NHL career. After Lake Placid, Ramsey played 14 seasons with the Buffalo Sabres, and then finished up his 18-year career with stints with Pittsburgh and the Detroit Red Wings. After he retired in '97, the Sabres gave him a call to be an assistant coach. He stayed with the club until 2000 when he was hired as an assistant with the Minnesota Wild, the position he currently holds.
Buzz Schneider, forward - After capturing Gold, Schneider, the oldest player on the team never returned to big-time hockey. He currently lives in the Minneapolis area and works in real estate. In 2004, his son, Billy, played the role of his father in the movie 'Miracle.'
Dave Silk, forward - Along with coach Brooks and Pavelich, Silk started his NHL career with the Rangers. After three seasons in New York, he played stints for Boston, Detroit and his final NHL season in '86 with Winnipeg before heading to Europe for four years. Currently he is part of a managing group for Bear Stearns Investments near Boston.
Eric Strobel, forward - Strobel, who never reached the NHL, went on to be successful in business. He currently lives in Minnesota where he owns his own commercial construction company, AG Strobel Inc.
Bob Suter, defenseman - Suter played one season of minor league hockey before hanging up his skates. Staying in the game, he currently owns and operates a junior hockey team and their home, the Capital Ice Arena, in Middletown, Wisconsin. He also owns two hockey pro shops, aptly named Suter's Gold Medal Sports.
Phil Verchota, forward - Like fellow teammate John Harrington, Verchota returned to the U.S. Olympic team for the 1984 Games. He is currently the Senior Vice President of Business and Banking for Bremer Bank in Willmar, Minnesota.
Mark Wells, forward - After Lake Placid, Wells jumped around from the IHL and the AHL for a few years. He has worked in the restaurant business and owned a landscaping business in the Detroit area.
