Congressional Gold Medal for 1980 'Miracle on Ice' team was long overdue

The moment when ABC Sports' Al Michaels bellowed, "Do you believe in miracles? Yes!" in 1980 as the United States defeated the heavily favored Soviet Union during the Olympic men's hockey semifinal in Lake Placid, N.Y., will live on in American folklore for generations.

The "Miracle on Ice" team members are American heroes and have been honored as such for nearly 45 years, including a visit to the White House, Wheaties box photos and induction into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame .

However, one special honor has eluded them until now. On Tuesday, the AP's Stephen Whyno reported that multiple members of Congress have sponsored a bill that would award Congressional Gold Medals to the team.

The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian award given by Congress to individuals or groups for distinguished achievements and contributions.

While commendable, that honor has taken far too long to be bestowed.

February will mark the 45th anniversary of the iconic 4-3 victory over the Soviets and the subsequent 4-2 come-from-behind win over Finland to take down the gold medal.

Two members of the original squad have already passed away — Mark Pavelich in 2021 and Mark Wells in May — as well as legendary coach Herb Brooks ( 2003 at age 66 in a car accident ). Several surviving members are entering their 70s and sadly may not be around much longer to savor the honor.

Rep. Pete Stauber (R-Minn.) told Whyno those regretful reasons have added urgency to the process.

"The timing for all of us is of the essence because we want these members to be able to cherish and appreciate this during their lifetime," Stauber said. "I think that bestowing this highest honor upon them is important."

If the bill passes — which Whyno notes is expected to without objection during the post-election "lame duck" session — the plan would be to award three gold medals: one to be displayed at the U.S Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth, Minn., another at the Lake Placid Olympic Center and the third at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs, Colo.

"We’re going to push it, I’m going to push it as hard and as fast as I can so we can celebrate in Lake Placid with the remaining living members of that team that gave us that glorious moment in February of 1980," Stauber said.