The Making of a Miracle: The Untold Story of the Captain of the 1980 Gold Medal-Winning U.S. Olympic Hockey Team

On the fortieth anniversary of the historic "Miracle on Ice," Mike Eruzione—the captain of the 1980 U.S Men’s Olympic Hockey Team, who scored the winning goal—recounts his amazing career on ice, the legendary upset against the Soviets, and winning the gold medal.

It is the greatest American underdog sports story ever told: how a team of college kids and unsigned amateurs, under the tutelage of legendary coach—and legendary taskmaster—Herb Brooks, beat the elite Soviet hockey team during a legendary Cold War sports rivalry on their way to winning the gold medal at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics. No one believed the scrappy Americans had a real shot at winning. Despite being undefeated, the U.S.—the youngest team in the competition—were facing off against the four-time defending gold medalist Russians. But the Americans’ irrepressible optimism, skill, and fearless attitude helped them outplay the seasoned Soviet team and deliver their iconic win.

As captain, Mike Eruzione led his team on the ice on that Friday, February 22, 1980. But beating the U.S.S.R was only one of the numerous challenges Mike has faced in his life. In this inspiring sports memoir, he recounts the obstacles he has overcome, from his blue-collar upbringing in Winthrop, Massachusetts, to his battle to make the Boston University squad; his challenges in the minor leagues and international tournaments to his selection to the U.S. team and their run for gold. He also talks about the aftermath of that stupendous win that inspired and united the nation at a time of crisis in its history.

Eruzione has lived a hockey life full of unexpected twists and surprising turns. Al Michaels’ famous call in 1980—"do you believe in miracles? YES!"—could have been about Mike himself. Filled with vivid portraits—from his hard-working, irrepressible father to the irascible Herb Brooks to the Russian hall of famers Tretiak, Kharlamov, Makarov, and Fetisov—this lively, fascinating look back is destined to become a sports classic and is a must for fans of Olympic hockey, especially those who witnessed that miraculous day.

This riveting memoir of the Miracle on Ice delivers more than just a box score:

• The Ultimate David vs. Goliath: Go inside the locker room with a team of college kids and amateurs as they take on the seemingly invincible Soviet team, the four-time defending gold medalists.
• The Winning Goal: Relive the electrifying moment Mike Eruzione scored the historic winning goal, a shot that stunned the world and united a nation at a time of crisis.
• Coached by a Legend: Get a firsthand account of what it was like to play for the brilliant and notoriously demanding Herb Brooks, a man who knew how to forge a team of champions.
• A Leader’s Journey: Follow Eruzione’s personal path, from his blue-collar roots in Winthrop, Massachusetts, to the challenges of the minor leagues and the honor of captaining the U.S. Olympic team.

Mike Eruzione is the director of special outreach at his alma mater, Boston University. He has been a television commentator, a motivational speaker, and a hockey coach. He lives in Winthrop, Massachusetts.

Neal Boudette, also a graduate of Boston University, is a reporter for the New York Times. He lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Al Michaels has logged more hours on network television than anyone in history, including twenty years as the play-by-play voice of Monday Night Football. Michaels is currently the play-by-play voice of NBC's Sunday Night Football, TV's highest-rated show.