Miracle on Ice (1981) Movie Script

1
This dramatization is based on the
actual events leading up to the 1980 United
States hockey team's performance at
the 13th Olympic Games in Lake Placid.
In some instances,
composite characters and
time compression are
used for dramatic purposes.
My God, what time is it?
I'll get breakfast.
Relax.
I've got Patrick picking me up.
We'll grab a bite.
Were you up all night?
The truth.
Last chance to decide
who to invite to camp.
That was yesterday's excuse.
Can't use the same one twice.
We delayed sending out
the invitations until today.
Pat, I've got 68
kids trying out.
I've got a couple of days in camp to
decide what 42 I'm going to send home.
And then I've got six
and a half months to
put 20 of those kids
up against the Russians.
You didn't have
to take this job.
What if I make a mess
of the whole thing?
I'll still be here.
As always.
Morning, Herb.
What do you say?
Where's the final list?
Some system.
Even if I had 68 of the
best kids in the world,
you can't build a team in
less than seven months.
No wonder the Russians
don't take us seriously.
Hockey's more important to them.
Send them out.
Go ahead.
Send them out.
Mail them out this morning.
And start praying that enough
of them will feel like showing up.
Worried?
What, me?
Worried?
Yeah, I'm worried.
Donna, I'm a hockey player.
I need to get noticed.
Okay, so the pros know I'm here.
But they're looking for me to prove that
I'm good enough, that I can do the job.
And if Brooks will give me the
chance, Donna, I can prove it.
And if I can get there, if I can
get to Lake Placid, you'll see.
How long are you gonna wait?
I don't know.
I'll tell you after
the mail comes.
Now, don't be upset
with your brother.
He tried to get to it first.
Oh, no.
Look, Dad, I'm sorry.
It's not like I was
trying to hide it.
It's just that I wanted to wait to
hear what the pros might offer.
There'll be time enough to
play with the professionals.
It costs money to keep
me playing amateur.
A little more won't hurt.
You've spent enough already.
I'll be the judge of that.
Okay.
Okay?
Okay.
Tell
me.
Slapshot.
I'm watching the play where
I got nailed in the corners.
You never give up, do you?
Can't all be naturals.
So did you get one?
Haven't checked yet.
I saved you the trouble.
Congratulations.
We're going to camp together.
Ha-ha!
Well, you're getting
better, Pavlich.
You're only an
hour late this time.
It's a pick and roll.
We're running.
What did I tell you?
Fishing?
Hey, look, if it's between you and
fishing, Harrington, you come in second.
Well?
Well?
Well, what?
Did you get the invitation?
All right!
Here I go!
Hey, baby!
All right!
Well, how does it
feel to be going?
It's what I want.
You know that.
Are you okay?
Yeah.
It's still hard to
believe that Ma's gone.
It's hard on all of us.
The price.
To you and the family.
It's like it's asking too much.
Well, it isn't really you
that's doing the asking, is it?
I mean, it's her.
It's what we promised.
Just do her proud, that's all.
Just do her proud.
Come on.
Let's get you to the plane.
Knock for two.
Dang it.
You did it again, Grazer.
You lost.
I got you with one.
Ouch!
Oh, sorry.
I bet half these guys turn
pro before Lake Placid.
Well, can you blame them?
Hey, you still got a
year of college left, Silky.
Leave the pros alone for now.
Hey, my family wants
me to be a doctor.
But I prefer doing
surgery with my stick.
You won't get fired
with Brooks that way.
Use your body, not the stick.
Oh, yeah?
Well, that's why he's not
coaching in the NHL, pal.
Yeah, well, maybe
he doesn't want to.
Yeah, well, that's
where the money is.
Hey, you still got
other choices, bucko.
Hey, do yourself a favor, Silky.
Finish school.
It'll give you something
to fall back on.
Hey, Jimmy.
He now owes me...
$325,000.
Not bad, huh?
Yeah, just put it
on the tab, hotshot.
No problem.
Awesome.
Makes me feel important.
Hey, you guys, get
over there for a second.
What for?
I want to take a picture.
Oh, come on, Robbie.
Let's stash our gear.
No way.
I promised your dad.
Well, that's your problem.
Come on.
Smile, you guys.
Smile.
Hey,
what's going on, man?
Yeah, three cops.
These guys make me nervous.
Oh, they're all right, Silky.
There was a lot of them
in the Moscow tournament.
There's too many of them.
Not enough of us.
Oh, it's a big country, boys.
We gotta make room
for some of them.
Like, maybe two.
Man,
I've never seen most
of these guys before.
It's okay, Kenny.
They've never seen
you before either.
We're Easterners.
They never leave
concrete streets.
The gold medal team of 60 was
loaded with guys from back East.
Wonderful, Coho.
A history lesson.
That's what we need.
Wow, did you learn
that in college, Coho?
Hey, did you see
McClanahan's jeans?
I'm not into checking
out guys' jeans, Bob.
Yeah, he's got one of
those very fancy brands.
Sixty bucks at least.
So what?
He plays good hockey.
Yeah, I know, but what's a
rich kid doing playing hockey?
Hiya, Les.
How you feeling?
A little nervous.
A little nervous.
Some of you have had the pleasure
of playing on my teams before.
I guess you're all expecting
the standard speech.
They look to the
right of you, look to the
left of you, and one of
you will make the team.
Not this time.
Nope.
This time, the odds
are much worse.
I suggest you look two places to the right
of you and two places to the left of you.
And maybe none
of you will be here.
Now, there are
nearly 70 of you here.
And only 20 of you will have the privilege
of wearing this country's Olympic colors.
And they will be
the best of you.
The best skaters, the bravest, and
the ones who believe in themselves and
can trust the other man,
and he, in turn, can trust you.
I'm not looking for
guys to terminate me.
I'm not looking for guys
determined to be winners.
They're a dime a dozen.
I'm looking for guys determined to
prepare for the chance at winning.
And if I can find 20 of you like
that here, we'll be pretty lucky.
Faith in yourselves.
Trusting the other man.
And the desire to prepare.
No matter what the
odds are on the outcome.
I don't know what
brought you here.
Only what can send you home.
Now, you can quit
any time you like.
Or you can be
cut from the squad.
And sooner or later, all of this
will be in the hands of 20 of you.
The final 20.
So believe me when I tell
you, they will be the best.
This country
deserves nothing less.
If you have any questions,
you can ask Craig there.
Craig Patrick.
I'm only interested
in your answers.
They look eager.
Bunch of little cliques.
Long way from a team.
Welcome to Colorado Springs, where the
atmosphere isn't just friendly and warm.
It's downright hot.
Are there any questions?
Yeruzioni, Mike.
Next.
Callaghan, Jack.
Thank you, Jack.
Craig, Jim.
Look in the camera, Jim.
Next.
Morro, Ken.
What was that?
Morro, Ken.
Thank you.
Next.
Schneider, Buzz.
Next.
Ogier, Les.
Next.
Thank you, Les.
What's up?
Clenahan, Rob.
Thank you.
Pavlich, Mark.
Harrington, John.
Hey, Lester.
Doesn't look like
much competition.
It's a good thing.
I'm still tired from the trip.
Thompson, Steve.
Next.
Now, let's hope we don't
have third and fourth thoughts.
Paradis, John.
Baker, Bill.
Thank you, Bill.
What is this?
A hockey camp or a
rehearsal for the ice capades?
Relax, coach.
There's got to be 20
great ones in that line.
Good.
When you find out who
they are, let me know.
Meanwhile, will you
get them started?
Sprint some memory.
Work them.
Work them hard.
Must have taken
the kids to the movie.
All right.
On a scale of 1 to
10, give me Grazier.
9 and a half.
Dependable on the clutch.
Who can back them up?
It's Johnson and Paradis.
They're both talented.
Yeah, but are they tough?
Will they stand up?
15 seconds.
Come on.
Come on.
Fast.
Not fast enough.
You guys think you can beat
the Europeans skating that way?
Let's go.
Hit your spots.
You tell him to
put his heart in it.
All right.
Paradis is shirking.
Come on, Herb.
He's one of the best
skaters out there.
But he's not giving us 100%.
You tell him I want no
loafers on the forward line.
Come on.
Let's go.
Let's go.
Let's go.
Hello, Herb.
You got a little time later.
I'd like to talk to you
about one of my clients.
Grazier?
Grazier's a lawyer.
Get him out of here.
It's a waste.
A total waste.
The only reason he came to camp is to
make the pros think he didn't need them.
I'm sorry, Herb.
It's just one guy.
I can't be everywhere.
Well, you've got to be.
Patrick, you're my eyes
and ears with this bunch.
I thought we had a
deal with the lawyers.
Who's next?
Herb, most of what the guys
tell me, well, it's like over beer.
In confidence.
Really?
Well, you better get it through your
head that you're part of management now.
I'm not asking you to be a spy.
I'm asking you to do
your job as my assistant.
And if this bunch is going to
disappear on me, let me know.
So that I can quit
before I get fired.
Moro seems firm.
But that might change.
He's getting
married in two weeks.
The eastern guys...
They're all borderline.
Especially Craig.
He's hard pressed financially.
Well, if he's turning pro, he's
going to the Atlanta Flames.
They own him.
Is he talking to them?
Phoning?
No.
But that doesn't mean anything.
He's represented by lawyers.
Who, Kaminsky?
No, Bob Murray.
Same thing, dammit.
They work together, Patrick.
I thought they promised to
keep these kids amateurs.
So far, so good.
Right now, they're telling
the guys to stick with it.
See what kind of a
team you come up with.
So now I've got another
set of guys to answer to.
Lawyers and agents.
They're part of
the business, Herb.
I mean, we gotta face it.
Our best guys
have other choices.
And they know it.
Guys with choices on their
minds don't help us one bit.
This has got to be the
only thing in their life.
Not choices.
This.
You a hockey player?
Uh, I'm a goalie.
You alone?
Well, if you don't count the 20-odd
hockey players roaming around this place,
yeah, I guess you
can say we're alone.
Hey, Craig, shouldn't
you be in bed?
Uh, it's a thought.
Yeah, well, uh,
Mary is my friend.
Oh.
Oh, you, uh... Well, any friend of
yours, Dawson, is a friend of mine.
Get lost, Craig.
Shall we?
Move it.
Or I'll move you.
Dawson, you're such a jerk.
Let me tell you guys something.
I think it's time
for a pep talk.
All this stuff that you guys
are up to right now is...
No, forget it.
You guys are already
acting like big time.
I know.
Some of you have
got big time lawyers.
Some have big time offers.
So I guess a college
coach's pep talks won't work.
Uh, Mr. Brooks, I think it
was just a misunderstanding.
Mr. Brooks is my father's name.
I'm Herb.
Yes, sir.
One more X, and you guys are
going back where you came from.
I could lose a lot of
good players that way.
Maybe.
But you're already making
a name for yourselves
that'll keep you out
of pro hockey forever.
Understand me and
understand me good.
Nobody is indispensable.
Nobody.
I want a winning team, but more than
that, I want a team that I can be proud of.
I want men on that
team that have character.
I would rather cut you all and be
embarrassed and be shipped down to my old
job than to win with a bunch
of kids who would dishonor me.
And themselves.
Nothing is worth that.
Now get out.
Herb, some of them are
barely old enough to vote.
They're just kids.
Exactly what the
Russians think about them.
So that's one surprise
we can give them.
Show them some
kids with character.
Might take the edge off losing.
Hey, Patrick!
You got the names?
Twenty-six names.
On the bulletin
board in the morning.
Rizzy, Herb wants to see you.
Okay, uh, I'll see yous later.
Good.
What's he cutting, Rizzy?
Hey, I just work here.
Who's buying the beer?
Hey, you telling me
I'm not welcome?
Hey, where are
you guys gonna be?
In case Herb wants
to see you later on.
We'll be across
the street at Cecil's.
A few beers before the cut.
Think it over, Rizzy.
It's my best advice.
If I say no...
we'll see.
But if I keep you...
it's gonna be for
the good of the team.
I need you, Herb.
In private.
Can't it wait?
Just trying to do
the job you gave me.
I'll have to let you know
in the morning, Herb.
You're making it
hard on both of us.
Lester, maybe I got
no future as a player.
I'm just average.
And I'm too small.
Maybe I would be better
off coaching than playing.
He gave you a choice.
He hasn't cut you yet.
No, not yet.
What about later?
At least this way, Les.
I know him with the team.
As assistant coach.
That's terrific.
That's a
once-every-four-year job.
If you're lucky.
Yeah, but next year I could probably
chase down a coaching job at some college.
Oh, come on, Chase.
Wake up.
You're a hockey player.
Let me tell you something.
Smart guys hang in till the end.
If you have any hope in hell
of playing... you just stay with it.
You know, baseball, football...
there you're talking
about big business.
You know, there are
lots of opportunities there.
But this is hockey.
You got a chance here.
Don't give up.
Listen, if you...
if you can't find your
name on that list tomorrow...
then come to me and
tell me about your...
your coaching jobs.
But until then, just keep
running him in the corners.
And don't quit
until he fires you.
Okay, fellas.
All right?
Hold it.
Hold it.
Listen up.
Listen up, fellas.
Listen up.
It's a good schedule.
I mean, games in Europe,
some exhibitions against the NHL.
I mean, you got 61 games in all.
That's in five months.
Only the fittest
will survive this.
Yeah, that's the point.
A guy could get injured right out of
playing hockey with a schedule like that.
So join the problem.
Not if he stays on
top of his game.
Okay, you can't
prevent bad luck.
But cheap injuries,
that's something else.
Yeah, but a pro gets
paid for the risk of bad luck.
Yeah, and he's insured.
We're working on that.
Yeah.
Herb?
Where are you going?
For a drink.
Drink?
With you two, it's personal.
If you get by that, call me.
We'll talk business.
Herb?
All right.
A drink?
You said you'd keep
away from my kids.
How come you get along
so well with my partner?
Leave him out of it.
Who invited you here?
Just common sense, Herb.
That and a rumor
that you need me.
Of all the things I know,
I need you the least.
The rumor you should have
listened to is how much I don't like you.
Well...
As I see it, Herb, you are caught
between a rock and a hard place.
Now, that tends to make
a man nervous, tight.
Sometimes makes him look
for something to focus it all on.
And something tells
me that I'm your patsy.
You're nobody's patsy.
A guy doesn't get to be big or important
in pro hockey circles by being a patsy.
Correct.
I did all that, Herb, because I happen to
be the only guy around who believed that
American college kids
could be sold to the NHL.
I believed they were just as good as the
Canadian kids who always got the first shot.
And it isn't making me rich.
I'm really impressed.
You ought to
register as a charity.
I'd send you a couple
of bucks myself.
Fine.
That would be just fine.
Now, listen.
If you are going to
cut 15 of your best that
we represent, will you
please tell me now?
I've got pros sniffing around
every one of them, Herb.
And those kids need my advice.
If I believe you got
half a chance at a good
showing, I am going
to tell them to stay.
If I believe that the
Russians are going to
humiliate you, my advice
is going to be to split.
Get them out before you make
laughing stocks out of them.
Herb, give me room.
Maybe I can help you.
You keep playing guard, you're going to
find yourself with an empty locker room.
Now, I'm doing my job as
a lawyer, as a player's rep.
Maybe in your head.
But what about here?
What about your heart?
Law or athletics?
Kaminsky, I'm inviting you to join
this squad as an honorary member.
Put it on the line for the team.
Just as though you were
wearing the skates yourself.
This is no ego trip for me.
You know as well as I do that no
athlete ever made it without sacrifice.
For the game, not for me.
Herb, I am not
questioning your motives.
Just my sanity, right?
All right.
Let's play it straight.
This whole thing, as far as
I'm concerned, is a fantasy.
Mm-hmm.
And you know what?
I'm in.
I'm beginning to
doubt your sanity, too.
Why me?
Coming all the way out here.
You, the fastest
telephone in the East.
Coming out here?
I'd like to see your cost
analysis of this, uh, trip.
No, you're right.
This wasn't a
business trip, Herb.
I came out here
to see for myself.
See what?
Whether you're obsessed.
You were the last
man cut from our only
gold-medal team that
could cloud your judgment.
And?
I think you're crazy like a fox.
Ha, ha, ha.
Hey, Janisac.
Janisac guy.
He's right.
Janisac's right
behind your ship.
I like him.
With the awakenin' principi...
Hey, Patrick.
I don't believe it.
I mean, I just don't believe it.
Paradis, we warned you.
You just weren't putting out.
I'm sorry.
Don't be.
You guys are just
wasting your time.
I mean, the Russians are
gonna beat you so bad, you-
Donna, I swear, I'm terrific.
No, I haven't seen it yet.
Hey, Riz!
Hold on.
What?
We made it!
We're still on the team!
You're kidding!
I just put up the list.
It's right there.
Big letters.
Oh, my God.
Go, go, go!
Get off of it!
Get off of it!
Get off of it!
Riz is first!
Donna?
Hey!
Come on!
Who's got a dime?
Come on, Riz.
Let's go.
I'll see you out there.
See you on the outside, guys.
OK.
Later.
OK.
I still can't believe
this is happening.
I think my family's been
waiting for this since I was born.
Yeah.
My father's gonna be real happy.
Mike.
Well, at least I won't have to
put up with you anymore, Craig.
Thompson, you got
anything else to say?
Yeah.
Good luck to you.
Good luck to all you guys.
I wish the hell out of
us gonna be with you.
Well, hi, Jimmy.
Jimmy, what are you doing here?
Danny told me you're
taking out a loan.
Well, it's nothing big.
It's just something
that tied us over.
I can't let you do that.
Well, it's not your
business, Jimmy.
This loan's so I can play
in the Olympics, right?
Look, it's what you want.
It's what the family
wants for you.
But the family can't afford it.
That's between your mom and me.
You can't speak for Ma.
Yes, I can.
She was there
when you dreamed it.
She was there
when we planned it.
And she'll be there
when it's done.
Thanks a lot, Keith.
Mr. Craig?
I can't let him do this.
What can you do?
Here's your phone.
There's one right over there.
Yeah.
Oh, hello, Bob.
What did he say?
Well, it's a pity.
It's a damn pity.
Bye.
Phone will wake you up.
I'm sorry.
It's okay.
I feel like a hospital patient.
They just woke up
for a sleeping pill.
It's after 2 o'clock.
Pat.
I've never given up hope.
Never in my whole life.
But this time, it's
too depressing.
The problems are
just too depressing.
I don't know who I'm still gonna
have around come February.
I just keep wishing it
was over, done with.
What happened?
There was a lawyer on the phone.
Craig's family is
strapped for money.
He wants to turn pro.
He feels that's his only choice.
Can I tell you what I think?
Go ahead.
Shoot.
Tell me.
Stop worrying about next year.
Make a team out of these kids.
Take it moment to moment.
Craig can't be the first boy in
Olympic history to face money troubles.
There are solutions.
Oh, that's simple, huh?
Yes, if you're determined.
If not, quit.
Quit!
Well, at least you've given
me my alternative, haven't you?
Quit!
Quit!
The third choice
is to come to bed.
Now that I'm awake.
You see, the Russians make
all their players army officers.
While we, in turn,
we... Yes, yes.
This is not quite my
department, but...
I'll see what our
Mr. Sears says.
He's in advertising
and publicity.
Yes, may I speak
to Mr. Sears, please?
Craig will be living with the team
doctor, so he won't be paying any rent.
But without corporate help...
we can't compete.
Like the ad says...
America doesn't send
athletes to the Olympics...
Americans do.
Yes.
Ah, yes.
Well, I think this is
more for Anderson.
He's VP.
Community Relations.
Are you sure these
players will make the team?
It's never easy to dismiss
personnel, but sometimes...
The 1960 squad, the one
that actually won all the gold.
I was the last man
cut from that team.
They didn't handle
that too well.
Now, if these players
weren't sure bets...
I'd let them know right now.
I wouldn't be running around
looking for a sponsor for them.
Well, the president of our division
was a varsity player, Duluth.
I think we ought to have lunch.
Okay, you guys, settle down.
I want to take a head count.
Settle down.
Hey, Patty.
There's a reporter guy
outside looking for Craig.
Have you heard from him?
Uh, no.
I don't guess he's gonna show.
Just tell him Coach Brooks
doesn't allow interviews.
That's right.
Hey, you guys, settle down.
Settle down.
Hey!
Hey!
Hey, Kipo Sivy, you made it.
You guys aren't going to the
hot spots of Europe without me.
No, we're going
to the hot spots.
The hot spots.
Now, do me a favor.
I'll sit with you even though
you are from Minneapolis.
What the troubadour is trying to
say is that he's not from Minneapolis.
Hey, I'm sorry, all right?
So, where did you say
you guys were from?
The Iron Range?
It's the same thing
as Minneapolis, isn't it?
Sure.
Like South Boston is the
same thing as Beacon Hill.
You guys are really dumb about
the rest of the country, you know that?
We're just as poor
as you or Craig.
So, why don't you just lay off
the upside-down snobbery, huh?
Chicks.
Okay, it's going to be about
ten hours before we get there.
Listen up, listen up.
Everybody's responsible for their
own equipment, just like here, okay?
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Hey, Patty, we still got to keep
on the suit coats and ties or what?
Yeah, relax, get comfortable.
Hey, where's my seat?
We'll be back with
the equipment soon.
No, no, no, take my seat if you don't mind
sitting in the kiddie section, all right?
Hey, take mine, Patty,
I got a warrant for you.
You guys never light up, do you?
Well, I guess we're
all a bit homesick, huh?
Keep our lives back.
Listen, really,
really, I am looking...
I'm sitting in a railway station
Got a ticket for my destination
On a tour of one-night stands My suitcase
and guitar in hand And every stop is
neatly planned For a poet and a one-man
band Homeward bound I just wish I was
Homeward bound Home where my thoughts
escaping, home where my music's playing,
home where my love
lies waiting silently for me.
Tonight I'll sing my song again
and I'll play the game and pretend.
But each town looks the same to me,
the movies and the factories, and every
stranger's face I see
reminds me that I long to be.
Homeward bound, I wish I was.
Homeward bound, home
where my thoughts escape.
Home where my thoughts escaping,
home where my music's playing,
home where my love
lies waiting silently for me.
Silently for me.
Hey Mo, how come you
married guys get all the attention?
Don't worry about
it, she'll get to you.
They're all big hockey
fans in her country.
She wants all the autographs.
It's about time we
got a little respect.
Oh yeah?
Well, according to her, there's no
way we're gonna beat the Russians.
Oh, that comes from living
too close to the Soviets.
It's called geopolitical
absorption.
Geopolitical absorption, Robbie?
That's right.
There's a poet in you, right?
Wrong.
Political Science 401.
It's a fancy term that means being
scared of the guy that lives next door.
Yeah, well, wait till we
get him to Lake Placid.
We'll see who absorbs who.
Boy, what I wouldn't
give to beat him.
Sure would make up for a lot.
Please.
Oh, it's a pleasure, ma'am.
It's a real pleasure.
Excuse me.
I have it on good authority you want details
of our secret plan to beat the Russians.
Secret?
What is this secret plan?
I saw your game last night.
You'll never beat Soviet Union.
Never.
We'll see about that.
I've got to have at least one more
evening practice before the next game.
And I speak to the
Kiwanis tomorrow.
And then we have to
check out the equipment.
That'll take another evening.
How about making it next week?
How about Tuesday of next week?
We can have dinner
with the butlers Tuesday.
I tell you it's good to be home.
I hadn't noticed.
I didn't figure it would
take that much time.
Would you believe I
thought I'd be with you more?
Sure.
At least I believe
you believed it.
But I'm a realist, Herb.
Probably why our
marriage lasted.
Is it that bad?
No.
Even if it was,
it'd still be worth it.
Pat.
There is one problem.
I'm beginning to think
that we have a real chance.
It wouldn't surprise me.
Do you feel any
special obligation?
Why?
Well, with your father
on the gold medal squad
of 60, your uncle on
teams from 56 through 64.
Okay.
It has been my dream since I was a
little boy to play on the Olympic team.
Ever since I was on
bobskates on a local pond.
This is the final chapter in a long
quest, and I know that with hard work,
competitive edge, and
good old American spirit,
we can outdo even the
gold medal team of 60.
Oh, I'm sorry.
I wanted to try one
of the other guys.
I have strict rules.
No reporters allowed in the
locker room without my permission.
I thought I made that clear.
Got what I wanted.
Oh, I could use a
comment from you, though.
What the hell was he doing here?
I can't be everywhere at once.
Look at it this way, Herb.
The only place that guys like
that don't bug you is in Russia.
Get this and get it straight.
This is a team.
There are no stars,
no special people.
And the media hype
isn't going to create one.
So there'll be no interviews.
I repeat, no interviews.
The next one will cost you fine.
Or worse.
Hasn't he even heard
of freedom of the press?
I heard that, Harrington.
Maybe you guys have forgotten.
Tonight we play the NHL.
And they're not impressed
with your 8-2 record in Europe.
If this was Russia, all you guys would
be shipped to the Trans-Siberian All-Stars.
Craig, get your act together.
If you're going to play
hockey, play hockey.
Forget the personal stuff.
You can't serve two masters.
Eruzioni.
If you want to end up spending the
rest of your life in the minors, go ahead.
Keep it up.
Who the hell does
he think he is?
The coach.
Our leader.
Hey, Herb.
Why aren't you on the ice?
Figure you don't need it?
How much practice I gotta
do, that's your decision.
But the way you tell
me, that's something else.
If you can't take the heat,
stay out of the kitchen.
Regular heat's okay, Herb.
But you're on my
back, and Craig's too.
You're scapegoating us.
So?
You guys are sitting around
dreaming about the pros.
Well, in a few hours, you're
gonna get a chance to play them.
You're gonna get a
chance to show your stuff.
And you're all gonna look lousy
unless you play together as a team.
They're gonna come out hitting,
and you guys aren't ready for them.
Now, look.
Somebody's gotta take the heat.
I told you before.
If I kept you, it would be
for the good of the team.
Now, you've got broad shoulders.
I'm gonna make a deal with you.
If I use your first name,
the heat is on you.
But if I use your second
name, you're the scapegoat.
I'm using you to get
to the whole team.
You can tell that to Craig, too.
Hey, Herb.
Which one of them you
supposed to tell him, huh?
Mike or Rizzy?
And who do you
want me to tell it to?
Craig or Jimmy?
Sports Center in
Bloomington, Minnesota.
The home of the
Minnesota North Stars.
But for me, it's now
or never, you know.
Ready for the opening face-off
now between Johnson and Bernard.
Keep your head up, Johnson.
It's gonna be a long
night for everyone.
Tonight, you play hardball.
This is also the
home ice for the U.S.
Olympic team as both teams are
poked away from
him by Arruzzione.
But Jones comes
back to take over now.
For Minnesota, Jones
checks in the corner.
Gardner picks it up
along the right-wing board.
Gardner's pass
comes up to center ice.
North Stars with it.
Schaefer down the left wing.
Drop pass to Boyle.
And his shot is
deflected wide to the left.
Puck taken off the buoy
and cleared up to center
ice for Neil Broughton.
Broughton fires it.
Gardner takes
Arruzzione into the draft.
And the puck is picked up by...
Kavlich, Snyder, Harrington.
A tough initiation for the U.S.
Olympians after coming back
from a 10-game tour of Europe.
They have to customize themselves
to a physical North American style.
The NHL.
Taken there by Arruzzione.
He's hooked from behind but he gets
a shot off and it's wide to the left side.
Overscated by Apodaca for Minnesota
and back to pick it up is Gardner.
Gardner comes up the left side.
1-0.
North Stars leading
over the U.S.
Olympic team.
Out to center ice.
Long pass down as Arruzzione
gets leveled at the blue line.
And the puck comes
back into the U.S.
zone.
The Olympians have to get
used to this physical style of play.
They'll be playing the Central Hockey
League teams in a round-robin schedule and
also three more games the next five nights
against National Hockey League clubs.
Dave Christian
down the right wing.
Christian in the corner.
Minnesota zone.
He's checked from behind.
His pass comes out for him.
The blue line.
Watch the other side.
Now they come to center ice.
Neal Broughton gets knocked out.
Sinclair checks McClanahan hard
into the boards in the neutral zone.
The hard checking tonight is
taking a toll on most of the U.S.
Olympians.
They are getting very wrought
up in this game right now.
And they're about ready
for anything to happen.
The North Stars taking
the body all over the ice.
Puck comes up to center ice.
Boyle chasing it down.
Into the middle.
Minnesota zone.
Puck comes along the boards.
Christian with it.
And Boyle hits him from behind.
And Christian drops his gloves
and throws a punch at Boyle.
What is this?
It's what's called
crowd pleasing.
Sometimes a good kick in
the butt is good for a top athlete.
It helps the mold.
Build the team.
I can't say you played
well out there tonight.
The score could have been worse.
It could have been worse
than four goals to two.
But you've got to give
your all all the time.
Fool me once, shame on you.
Fool me twice, shame on me.
And we've still got to get down to 20
players before we meet the Russians.
And they're hungry.
But really hungry.
I keep telling you
over and over and over.
If you want to do your
best, depend on each other.
All of you.
Especially Craig and Iruzioni.
If you want to be your best,
then skate together as a team.
And not for yourselves.
I think he hates you.
I get the feeling.
Quiet, Mike.
Yes, sir.
Did he call me Mike?
Yes, Mike.
You heard right.
Tonight...
you had a chance to
skate against the pros.
Ask yourselves if you
were ready for them.
And then stop to think...
how tough the pros
found the Russians.
If you don't respect them...
you can't respect yourselves.
Practice tomorrow
morning, 10 o'clock.
You look pleased.
I am.
Tonight they became a team.
Does that mean you win?
Not necessarily.
But if we lose... we're
going to do it together.
No matter how we are... Who's
going to pay me the most for my vote?
Maite?
Well, it won't go for you then.
Tim.
A reliable source says... that
Brooks dislikes him the most.
More than O'Callaghan.
So, what do you say, Buzz?
You want my vote?
Hey, look I can't
tell you how to vote.
But I'm voting for R ress Eso.
Give me a look.
Oh, yeah.
Hey, I don't see you
flashing your ballot around.
Come on.
Rizzioni?
Yes, yours.
A Rizzioni.
Rizz.
Who are you voting for?
Kevin?
Yeah, it's me, Mike.
I'm all right.
How are you doing?
Good.
Look, is my dad there?
Yeah.
No, no, that's okay.
Listen, when he comes in, just
tell him I was elected captain.
Yeah.
No, that doesn't mean
Brooks still can't cut me.
Look, Kevin, do
me another favor.
Call Ma and tell her and
the rest of the family, will you?
And tell her to let Donna
know I'm not going home either.
Yeah, that's very funny.
Yeah, okay.
Good to talk to you.
All right.
Here's number 12, Dan Muckey.
Number two, you're gone.
Skate.
Well, get surgery
with your stick.
Please.
.
.
You guys are playing
worse every day.
Like now you're playing as though
you're in the middle of next month.
Craig, don't think that your place is
guaranteed on this Olympic squad.
Rizzy, skate harder!
Oh, and another thing.
Mike, control your line
mates' play because
if you can, let me
know right now, will you?
Before we make the final cuts.
.
All right.
Patrick will give
you travel details.
.
And Les.
.
Lester.
See me after you get dressed.
.
It's all right, Mike.
It's going to be for the best.
I almost told him so myself.
.
Thanks for waiting.
.
Hey, I, uh, I packed
your stuff up for you.
.
Yeah, thanks.
.
I'm real sorry, Les.
.
It's going to happen
sooner or later.
.
I meant what I said that night.
You know, you got to
get it where you can find it.
And if there's nothing for me
here, I'd rather find out now.
Come on, Lester,
would you get off it?
You got a great
future in this game.
You're a player.
.
Yeah, but not in the end.
I'm going to play the Olympics.
When?
.
Kathy, I said as we boarded
A greyhound in Pittsburgh.
Michigan seems like
a dream to me now.
It took me four days To hitchhike from
Saginaw Oh, I've come to look for America
We have all come
to look for America
I'm just looking for one
small town in America.
Lake Placid.
Lake Placid.
I never heard of it.
Don't worry, chummy.
If it's got less than 10,000 people,
Brooks has got it on the schedule.
I personally don't
think the place exists.
Probably just Brooks' way Of
getting the hockey team together.
You know what I think?
I think we all died And
went to hockey player's hell.
Hey, will you guys shut up?
There's some civilized people up
front Who want to get some sleep, eh?
.
You know, when I
was a kid, I never slept.
Not a lot.
I used to get up at four o'clock
in the morning And play hockey.
My mother would be in
the kitchen Fixing breakfast.
She...
She was healthy then.
Anyway, I used to play with
the older guys On the pond.
My kid brother plays there now.
The older guys had cars,
so I I sleep downstairs.
I need a heater to keep warm.
And close to the door so I
can Hear the horn of the car.
Really felt good being the
youngest Allowed to play.
Except they made
you play in nets.
Yeah.
That was just when I was in high school,
Because they supplied the goalies equipment.
And besides, My mother
figured Goal was the safest place.
Playing with the older
guys When I was a freshman
I played for Duluth
Against the 76th squad.
Man, I thought those
guys were ten feet tall.
Hey, Bob.
Tell them how you scored the
winning goal Against us in overtime.
Yeah, Airbrain.
For the 465th time.
Migraine headache number two.
What's number one?
Where's Brooks?
O'Callaghan's looking for him.
Hey, you guys
better take it easy.
He'll hear you.
Let's get some sleep.
Hey, Jimmy.
All that stuff, you know,
It's behind you now.
Gotta think to the future.
Future?
Yeah.
Actually, I was
thinking about my ma.
I guess there's a
connection somewhere.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
What the fuck's that?
He doesn't know.
Jack's hurt.
Hey, get something for his foot.
David.
No, forget the chair, Mo.
Pillow's good.
Pillow's fine, thanks.
Could you maybe
get me another pillow?
Here, Mo.
You want a drink or something?
Yeah.
Want a punch?
Hey, cut the clowning.
Oh, boy.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Hey, Cox.
What is this stuff, huh?
Super or unleaded?
Cranberry juice and beer.
Great color, huh?
.
Terrific.
.
.
Oh, hello, Kaminsky.
Yeah, I'm down to the final 20.
In the end, there wasn't
much choice who to cut.
Mm-hmm, you're right.
The Russians are the last game
we played before Lake Placid.
.
So I...
I might as well go along
with my final choices.
.
Yeah.
Bye.
.
.
Come here, Rizzy, quick.
Give me your hand.
Put it on my head right here.
It's working.
I can walk.
Tony.
I can walk.
.
.
He came up and said,
out of MC Dale, I am heel!
I am heel!
You guys hold it down.
Will everybody shut up, please?
It's Herb.
Yeah, Herb.
Uh, yeah.
Yeah, they are.
Just a minute.
Cox, it's for you.
Hi.
I think I know what
it's about, Herb.
There's no need to
come to your office.
I understand.
Y-Yeah.
And thanks for everything.
Yeah.
Good luck to you, too.
I mean it.
You're gonna win the gold, Herb.
Sure.
Hang on.
Hughes.
Yeah, Herb.
Will
you look at this?
Sometimes it's not
a sport or a business.
It's an international incident.
What would you give to
be part of our team tonight?
To be right there on the ice
when the Russians skate out?
A lot.
A lot, Art.
But not as much as you.
You're frustrated, John.
Come on.
We were Russians.
Hey, Art!
Hey, Art!
Robert.
Evening, George.
How's your boys?
Oh, they're fine, George.
They're just fine.
Yeah?
Yeah.
This is an eye we see whether
Brooks is worth your gamble or not.
This is not Lake Placid, George.
The teams are the same, Art.
What do you say
we meet afterwards?
Loser buys the drinks?
The USA team coming out
onto the ice at Madison Square
Garden for a very important
game tonight against the USSR.
The final tune-up.
Before next week's
Olympics begins.
Again at Lake Placid.
And that's for the most part a team of
college kids going against a club that
demolished the NHL All-Stars a
year ago this week at the Garden.
Ready for the opening
face-off out at center ice.
Neil Broughton for the
United States wins the draw
from Pervukhin of the
Soviet Union, and the U.S.
drives it down into
the Russian zone.
Chased down by Steve
Kristof on the left wing.
Kristof with the
face-off circle.
Passes on the left side.
Deflects back behind the net.
Smoltsev takes Arut
Siyomi out of the play.
Kristof with it again.
Off to the blue line.
Killed in by the United States.
Pass taken away
now by the Russians.
Long pass up to center ice.
Chased down by Valery
Karlymov into the U .S.
zone.
Into the right wing corner.
The trailer on the
play is Pervukhin.
Pass to Pervukhin.
He shoots, he scores!
And the Russians have
scored an early goal.
Point blank range.
Russians with it again.
Passed out to the right point.
Comes off the boards
out to center ice.
He
Got a piece of his glove on it to
deflect it wide to the right side.
Russians dominating the
early going in this game.
And they're leading 1-0.
Great job really taking the
play away from Berkuta there.
The U.S.
first chance.
Belyalednov for the Russians.
Over to Pervukhin.
And now back to
Belyalednov across the red line.
He flashes down
across the blue line.
Left wing.
Cutting in.
A shot and a goal!
And the Russians lead 2-0.
to
maintain their poise
and get organized.
But the Russians are
flying early in the game.
And
again, Belyalednov.
Pass off to the right side.
Now onto Krutov.
And he scores!
Yes!
Did you see that goal?
Yeah, I was there, remember?
Hey, sorry, Jimmy.
Class is class.
Schneider.
Harrington.
Pavlich.
You guys get all the Russian
autographs you wanted?
You're supposed to be
playing them, not admiring them.
You're talking to me?
Yeah, you.
Mike.
The team captain.
Shoots and it's
wide to the right side.
Rebound comes into
the right wing corner.
The Russians win.
The Russians take over.
Drive the puck back
out to center ice.
Picked up by the Russians.
Now over to Ruscioni.
Cutting in and he scores!
For once, the U.S.
moving the puck like they were
trained to do by Herb Brooks.
The U.S.
trying to get back in the game.
Here they come again.
Pass to John
Harrington at center ice.
Taken away by Svortsov
for the Soviet Union.
Into the U.S.
zone.
Down the middle.
Belyalednov takes the
perfect pass alone in front.
A shot and a goal!
And the Russians score again!
And there's no way Jimmy Craig
should have stopped a shot like that.
What do you say, Doc?
You're a very lucky young man.
You mean I can play?
I'll be back.
Come on!
I tell you, the safe thing to do is
to keep him off skates for a while.
Oh.
You mean there's no weight?
It's best to be cautious.
You know, young guys
like that are too eager.
Give him an inch.
If it works, fine.
If it doesn't, I have
a malpractice suit.
Oh.
Oh.
Come on, let's get dressed.
What are we gonna do, huh?
We're gonna get
a second opinion.
No offense, Doc.
Oh, yeah.
All right.
Thanks, Doc.
I tell you, it would be like
going in with only 19 players.
But you've already
committed to O 'Callaghan.
No.
Until I submit the final 20 names to the
Olympic Committee, there are no commitments.
All right, Herb.
Now, you asked for
help, and we gave it.
Now, our boy is stuck by you.
I'll wait till I hear
from Kaminsky.
That's fair enough.
See ya.
I gotta go, too, Herb.
A long day.
Okay.
Jack means a lot
to the guys, Herb.
He's worth having just for that.
I know.
I'll see you in the morning.
Your turn.
Your turn?
Depends on what's more important,
winning or building character.
For this team, the only way
to win is by building character.
But to give up my last chance
at replacing an injured player...
Hello?
Sure.
Just a second.
Kaminsky.
Art?
Hockey tickets.
How much will you take?
Hey, cool it, will ya?
That's our team over there.
Hey, everybody.
That's them.
That's our team.
America, America.
Hey, you know something?
The way you guys played
tonight, you deserve a medal.
The Lennon Prize
for ice dancing.
Hey, forget it.
It's okay.
It ain't worth it.
Hey, hey, hey.
There for a second, I thought
you was gonna get violent.
Heaven's too Betsy.
You looking for a fight, mister?
Cool it, cool it.
Come on.
Leave him alone.
He's just a drunk.
Come on, come on, come on.
Sorry, fellas.
I guess he was just looking for
something to cheer for tonight.
I guess we all was.
There's gonna be plenty
to cheer about, all right?
It was just a sideshow.
And if you're betting,
man, you better bet on us.
Because we're just
beginning, all right?
Rich is taking me along.
Hooray!
Wait a minute.
Until I can play again, I'm
gonna be watching all of you.
We're just about all
out of second chances.
Hey, we don't need
any more chances.
No more.
Just some more beers.
Two hundred and
twenty million people.
Twenty hockey players.
Just think of the odds
against you being here.
Twenty out of two hundred
and twenty million Americans.
Of course, most of those two hundred
and twenty think that a hockey puck is
something that Don
Rickles makes jokes with.
For the next two weeks, your audience will
not only be America, but the whole world.
Including some nations where hockey
is the ultimate test for the athlete.
Well, this is what
we worked for.
And now we're here.
This isn't a college tournament.
For us,
for us, even a bronze
would be a victory.
Even that would take tenacity.
Take a lot of heart, courage.
I want you to stick to
the eleven o'clock curfew.
Keep away from women.
And, uh, eat properly.
Try to stay together as a group.
Mr.
Jeep, over here!
Mr. Craig!
Now here's a guy who has to get his
time off and two jobs to see his son.
Oh, it'll be worth
it, Mr. Ruzzioni.
It better be.
Can't stay forever, eh?
Hey, not much people here.
You kind of get the feeling that maybe people
think that our boys ain't got a chance?
Ain't a thing to worry about.
See this?
Yeah?
On to Jimmy's mother.
You got a thing in
the world over here.
Let's go!
Now
for the face-off, the opening game for the
United States in the 1980 Winter Olympics.
The U.S.
in blue, Sweden in yellow.
The Swedes slightly
favored coming in.
A big game for
the United States.
The first game in this round.
The U.S.
losing the puck at center ice as Helmland
comes back the other way for the Swedes.
Jim Craig in the
nets for the U.S.
Pelle Lindberg in
goal for Sweden.
It's Robbie McClanahan
in over the blue line.
His shot is wide.
The Swedes in the
corner trying to get it out.
We're halfway through
the first period now.
Still no score.
The U.S.
and Sweden in the first
game of the opening round.
The Swedes in
over the blue line.
Good pass to
Boleyn out in front.
Backhander beats Craig.
And so Sweden
has drawn first blood.
The favored Swedes
out in front of the United
States at the 11.04
mark of the first period.
Sweden leading the U.S.
1-0.
Take him on the boards, Kenny.
Take him on the boards.
Baker, use your speed to
swing around their defense.
Busy.
Shoot out there
for the blue line.
The United States must win or
tie to advance to the medal round.
The Swedes with the pockets.
Naslin skating in
on the right side.
And Craig with a
great save in front.
Swept aside by Christian
Davey coming back the other way.
The converted
forward in for the U.S.
Over the blue line.
Looks for Kristoff.
Kristoff's shot is swept
aside by Lindberg.
Come on now.
Let's get something started before they
skate us to the ground in the next period.
Come on.
Midway through the second
period with a chance of U.S.A.
U.S.A.
Sweden leading.
Goes through the crease.
Missing to the far side.
Hamlet's trying to get it
back out to the left point.
But the Swedes take it away.
Losing his helmet
with Hkan Eriksson.
Exactly one minute to
play in the second period.
Sweden still leading on
Anderson's first period goal.
1-0.
Johnson takes it away
in the Swedish end.
Out in front to Rick.
And Tommy Eriksson
over to get it for the Swedes.
Trying to clear it out
and does by Morrow.
Down comes Lundqvist
off the left wing.
Lundqvist's shot
is wide to the post.
He's the game.
So after nearly 40
minutes of frustration
the Americans finally
able to break through.
Hey Jimmy.
Just for luck.
Come on.
Here see.
A bit of a personal miracle.
Let me test it.
Alright.
This is how we do it.
We're going to do just fine.
See you later.
Yeah.
Hey Mr. Craig.
Hey how you doing?
Third in Winter Olympics.
The US capitalizing
late in the second period.
Game tied 1-1.
Mark Johnson's shot is deflected
by Lindbergh and hits the post.
The Swedes trying
to clear the end.
So the Americans putting on some
early pressure in the third period.
But again Lindbergh
is equal to the task.
Retired 1-1.
He'll be very vulnerable
to that breakout pass.
And Mark Johnson
with a good hard shot.
Lindbergh deflecting it.
To the post.
Moline comes in.
Fakes the slap shot.
Then his wrist shot is wide.
The Swedes trying to keep it in.
Sodestrom getting
it in back of the net.
Moline number 23.
Now Luckner number 22.
Out in front.
Tommy Ericsson
scoring for Sweden.
So just when it started
to look like things might be
going the Americans way the
Swedes take the lead again.
2-1.
The U.S.
with that lead
second period goal.
And the early pressure
here in the third.
But it's Sweden on top.
And a game that's
vital for the U.S.
Final minute of play now.
The United States
still trailing Sweden 2-1.
And the Swedes continue
to put the pressure on.
The Americans trying to
get it out of their own end.
It's Ericsson with the puck.
Down he goes.
Nasal in shot.
Glove save by Jim Cray.
Give up the goalie
for an extra skater.
Take it easy.
Cray coming out of the net.
So the Americans now
going with six skaters.
And Christian works
it into the corner.
To Pavlic.
Brooks.
His club.
Down.
2-1.
There's the time remaining.
Going with six skaters now.
The play now.
The face off in the Swedish end.
But it's Ericsson.
Able to backhand
it down the ice.
And that will do it.
As the Americans and the
Swedes skate to a 2-2 tie.
In the opening game of
the 1980 Winter Olympics.
It's Ericsson.
It's only one game.
Harrington skating
in back of the net.
Centers it out in front.
But Schneider scores again.
And Cray got a piece of
it but it trickled through.
And the Czechoslovakians
make it 6-3.
With 14-24 left in the game.
That's Mark Johnson
stealing the puck.
Johnson coming
out of his own end.
Johnson over the blue line.
Has McClanahan with him.
To Robbie.
Down he goes.
But he shoots and scores.
The United States on top.
7-3.
The greatest moment in U.S.
hockey in 20 years.
Since the gold medal winning
team in 1960 at Squaw Valley.
Just another day
at the office for her.
The final seconds of the game.
The U.S.
hockey team.
A very anonymous group.
Just a couple of days ago.
They'll be very
popular tomorrow.
The crowd counts it down.
That's it.
A stunning, shocking upset.
Czechoslovakians regarded by many
as the world's second best hockey team.
Losing to the U.S.
the final score.
7-3.
Hey.
This is like one of
them war movies, right?
Except this time the
girl's leaving the guy.
Can't lose my job, Mike.
One of us ought to know what
they're doing in two weeks time.
Yeah, yeah.
I hear you, okay?
But you're a
hockey player, right?
Look.
Maybe I'll change my mind.
I don't know.
But right now I still
want to be a player.
I know I gotta think
about the future.
But I just don't know right now.
Not till this is over.
Your call?
Yeah, I'll call.
Good shift, out of way.
Made in the first three.
Norway on top.
1-0.
Buzz Schneider
in on a breakaway.
And a save by Mortensen.
So Herb Brooks.
Not very happy with the way things
have gone here in the first period.
As the Norwegians lead 1-0.
The U.S.
with a power play opportunity.
The penalty coming 25
seconds into the second period.
Andresen in the
penalty box for Norway.
Davey Christian, his shot.
His save.
And in.
This is
Davey Silk in
over the blue line.
To Wells, his shot.
Save in front.
Mark Wells following his
own shot after the initial save.
Set up by Silk and Bricota.
So the Americans
remain unbeaten.
After a most
inauspicious beginning.
Trailing 1-0 after
the first period.
The Americans defeat Norway 5-1.
The United States
leading Romania 4-1.
O.C.
Get out there and
earn your keep.
Daniel Callahan coming into
the game for the United States.
Herb Brooks sending
in O'Callaghan.
Who has been injured through
much of the early Olympic competition.
The United States with
a power play opportunity.
Out it comes to the point.
O'Callaghan into Kristoff.
He spins, shoots and scores.
Steve Kristoff, number 11.
Set up by Jack
O'Callaghan, number 17.
Picking up the assist.
The United States on top now.
5-1.
Less than two minutes to play.
The Americans with
things well in hand tonight.
On top by four.
Kristoff gets
checked in the corner.
Johnson to McClanahan.
Back to Mark.
Now to McClanahan.
Beautiful set up and he scores.
Rob McClanahan, number 24.
With 1.51 to play in the game.
The United States 7, Romania 2.
And this team, which may very well
be a team of destiny, is still unbeaten.
3-0 and won the record
as they beat the Romanians.
The final score.
The U.S.
7, Romania 2.
Next up will be West Germany.
Playoff score is 2 to 4.
The U.K.
Georgia 6, Ohio 12.
The U.S.
Georgia 2.
Georgia 3.
Why do you hide them at practice
when this press matter is happening?
Well, you see, uh, they came here
to play hockey, not to feed the press.
This is a team.
No stars.
I speak with 20 voices.
First period, West Germany leading
the United States one to nothing.
This is Pavlich skating in.
Through the crease, Zeruzioni
couldn't get his stick on it
in time, and the West Germans
try to clear the end, and do.
West Germany out in front,
early in the first period, and
a whistle for a long side as
McClanahan goes down hard.
Robbie taking a hard check into the boards
after the play had been whistled dead.
You all right?
Get the doctor in there fast.
I'm gonna see if he's fit
before the end of the period.
Back
on the West Germans.
Reindl, number
10, over to the left.
A shot to Suttner.
His shot is wide.
Johnson takes a shot at Reindl as
the two come together on the near side,
and now they begin to mix it up.
And a whistle to stop play.
And we'll have a
penalty coming up.
Mark Johnson of the United States
going to the penalty box for two minutes.
This doesn't look good to me.
No, no, no, no, no.
It's not out of control.
We've out shot them.
They're only one go up.
I hope so.
Just 19 seconds
left in the first period.
Now, out in front and
Kiesling's long shot, he scores.
2-0, West Germany.
West German goal scored
by number four, Kiesling.
The time?
19.45.
I got his number, Robbie.
How's the leg?
How's the leg?
Let's go, Rob.
Hey, Robby.
How you doing?
You okay?
Sorry.
He's fine.
Same injury as the first game.
It was kind of shaky.
You're going to be
able to play, won't you?
I wouldn't be any use like this.
Come on, shake it off, buddy.
We need you.
I couldn't make the
difference anyway.
Who do you guys think you are?
Are you scared to win this one?
Scared because if you do,
you'll have to face the Russians?
Well?
You ought to be a symbol
to this bunch, McClanahan.
Too comfortable.
Too well off.
You're not hungry enough.
Who told you to change?
I can't move, Herb.
I can't go 100%.
I'm too sore.
Too scared.
Too frightened.
You haven't got the
guts for this game.
You don't deserve a
second crack at the Russians.
Let me go.
Let me tell you,
you've got no guts.
I'll show you who's got
guts, you lousy son of a...
We're going to kill
those guys, all right?
We're going to kill them.
13 minutes and 30 seconds
remaining in the second period.
West Germany leading the
United States 2 to nothing.
And to this point, the West
Germans have dominated the game.
Have outskated the Americans.
The U.S.
trying to get things started
as Arruzzione gets it up ahead.
This Strobel.
He's picked up with a blue line.
The Americans, though, getting the puck
back as they scrap for it in the corner.
Johnson.
To Christian.
Davy.
To McClanahan.
Robbie backhands and scores.
Third period.
The game tied 2-2.
Come
on.
Robbie's skating in.
Nice move in front
and he scores!
Trying to get it out
of their own end.
Out it comes to
the point to Wells.
Into Vercotta.
Phil shoots and scores!
Phil Vercotta scoring for
the Americans to make it 4-0.
The
United States goes through the preliminary
round undefeated with a record of 4-0-1.
The U.S.
and Sweden going into the medal round now
along with the Soviet Union and Finland.
And on Friday night, it will be
the United States and Russia.
Excuse me.
You're Jim Craig, no?
Uh... Hey, hi, Ott.
Yes.
Um, Ott, this is, uh... Anna.
Anna Rasmussen.
Right, right.
Anna, Anna Rasmussen.
This is Ott Kaminsky,
one of my agents.
Oh.
Uh, what's up?
Excuse me.
Um, we just got off the phone with Yolanda
Flames and I think there are a couple of
things we should talk over
before you get your night's sleep.
Um, okay.
I'm sorry.
Um, maybe tomorrow?
Tomorrow?
Okay.
Nice meeting you.
Bye.
Bye-bye.
Bye-bye.
Bye.
Ott, you blew it.
I'm sorry.
Uh...
Here.
Hey.
You can't come in here.
Oh, well, I was just
gonna go look at the ice.
Hey.
Aren't you Rizzioni?
The team captain, right?
Yeah.
That's me.
Big one tomorrow, huh?
Yeah.
Yeah.
Well, you go ahead.
It's okay.
Okay.
Hey, look, thanks a lot, huh?
I'll just be a minute, okay?
We're rooting for you.
Good luck tomorrow.
So far, so good.
I mean, it was a big risk,
but it sure turned out good.
You know, the interest around
the country is phenomenal.
People never even heard
of hockey or tuning in.
Would you care
for anything else?
Not me.
Would you?
Jimmy.
Hmm?
No.
Uh, no.
I'm fine.
Thank you.
Okay.
Thank you.
Bye.
Have you heard anything
that I said tonight?
I'm sorry.
All night, I'm trying to keep
my mind off tomorrow's game.
I just can't.
Hey, I can understand that.
No.
No, it's different.
It's like nothing I've
ever experienced before.
It's...
I can't explain it.
It's...
I got this feeling.
I just keep thinking that.
Like, tomorrow, I'm gonna be
playing for my dad and for my mom.
But most of all, I'm gonna
be playing for my country.
And I...
I need tape.
Right over here.
I got tape.
I need tape.
Tape over there.
All right,
let's do what he said.
Let's play our game.
We can do it.
Oh, shut up.
I'm sorry.
Well, there's nothing
more I can tell you.
You've earned your place here.
You know it, I know it.
Now all of America knows it.
And tonight, you can
make the Russians know it.
If you play our
game, check hard.
Skate and pass, skate and
pass, you can beat them.
I tell you, they are ripe.
You can beat them.
Whatever it costs us personally
to get here, it was worth it.
Don't blow it.
You'll take it to your grave.
You were born to be a player,
each and every one of you.
You were meant to be here.
This moment is yours.
The two teams lining
up on the respective blue
lines, the United States
and the Soviet Union.
The excitement, the tension
building, the Olympic Center filling.
But
manifestly, it is a hockey game.
The United States and the Soviet
Union on a sheet of ice in Lake Placid.
The
Soviet Union scoreless.
A look at Viktor Tikhanov,
the head coach of what
many consider to be the
world's best hockey team.
It's Wells to Pavlich.
Pavlich's shot is safe.
Saved by Tretiak and back comes Balderas
the other way for the Soviet Union.
Helmut Balderas in over the blue
line on the right side but losing the puck.
The Soviets, though,
getting it back.
It's Fedesov.
Number two, up ahead to Maltsev.
Maltsev picked
up at the blue line.
The Americans doing that
well thus far against the Soviets.
Khoi Snyder losing it.
Out to the point.
Slapshot and it was
deflected in from the point.
The Soviet Union takes
a one to nothing lead.
Kasakhanov's slap shot was deflected in
past Craig and the Soviet Union leads one
to nothing at the 9-12
mark of the first period.
All right, get it back.
Get it back.
Come on, Johnson.
Don't spot him too.
Six minutes, 20 seconds
remaining in the first period.
Golikov for the Soviet Union.
Up ahead to Makarov.
Picked up by Pavlich.
Taking it away to the U.S.
Pavlich up ahead.
Great glove save by Jim Craig.
And obviously more pressure on that
man's shoulders tonight than on any other.
Jim Craig with a great save.
A 40-footer by Harlamov.
And Craig able to glove it so
the game remains tied at 1-1.
Twenty-two seconds
remaining now.
First period.
The Soviet Union still on top.
Two to one.
The Americans
trying to tie it up.
You think a prayer would help?
Frankly, I'd rather have a beer.
Come on, what can
happen in eight seconds?
Wait.
Back come the Americans.
Davey Christian.
Long shot.
Davey saved by Criss.
And the Soviet
Union's top three.
The 20-footers The
Soviet Union tied two.
As
We looked up, there was
one second remaining.
The goal will count.
Mark Johnson, after
Christian's stop, had
initially been saved by
Trediak, tying the game.
So the United States hockey team,
blown out at Madison Square Garden just
two weeks ago, 10-3, tied with
the Soviets after the first 20 minutes.
Forget your wallet.
You never have your wallet.
You pay for the doors.
That's exactly right.
Hart, Robert, the kids
have been over their heads.
You just can't keep winning games
like that in the last few seconds.
Why?
You just can't.
George, you know what I heard?
I heard that at the end of the game,
whoever gets the most goals, wins.
He could be right.
Funny.
Funny.
You know, if the Russians
do get the next goal,
you can't play catch-up
hockey with these guys.
Do you want to sit with George?
No, I don't want
to sit with George.
I'll pay for the hot dogs.
As we start the second
period now, a change for the
Soviet Union as Vladimir
Mushkin becomes the new goalie.
Five
minutes into the second period
now, the crowd's still relatively quiet.
Most of the action in
this period thus far has
been in the American
end, as is the face-off here.
Five
minutes for holding.
So the United States
trying to ward off the
Soviet Union thus far
in the second period.
And now they'll have to skate short-handed
against the vaunted Soviet power play.
So the Soviets with a man
advantage here in the second period.
Skating
a man shy and paying the price.
Americans with their best
scoring chance here in the
second period, but come
up empty, it's still 3-2.
Waning moment, second period.
The Soviet Union
still leading 3-2.
Walsh has goal, the only
scoring here in the period.
You see the clock.
As the seconds tick down.
Rodgers is in shape,
along with Kosatomov.
Seven seconds the other way.
The Americans keeping
in, but time will run out.
That's the end of
the second period.
So the second period really
dominated by the Soviet Union.
The Americans actually lucky
that the Soviets only cashed in once.
Still in the game, but trailing.
As we go to the
third, it's 3-2 Russia.
Well...
It's almost over.
One more period.
One more game.
And it's done.
So is my playing career.
Come on.
No, I mean it, Mark.
Well, I'll never top this.
Even if I turn pro and won the
Stanley Cup, I could never equal this.
You know, this whole past year, Herb taught
me more about life than about hockey.
I feel good.
I finally made a decision.
But boy, I'd love to go
out in a blaze of glory.
Yeah.
Yeah, me too.
We
Start the third period.
Jim Craig.
In proud recognition of their incredible
performance at the 13th Olympic Games at
Lake Placid, this motion picture
is dedicated to the 1980 U.S.
Olympic hockey team, here receiving their
gold medals, the members of that team.
Jim Craig, the goaltender, fulfilled
another dream, going on to play
professional hockey in
his hometown of Boston.
John Harrington also turned pro, but
went overseas to play in Switzerland.
Dave Sill from
Massachusetts signed with the
New York Rangers of the
National Hockey League.
Mike Ramsey also signed
with the NHL with Buffalo.
Eric Strobel returned to the University
of Minnesota to resume his studies.
Jack O'Callaghan went on to
play professional hockey in Chicago.
Dave Christian from War
Road, Minnesota, whose
father played on the
National Hockey League.
And the 1960 gold medal winning hockey team
signed with the Winnipeg Jets of the NHL.
Neil Brotton, like Strobel, returned to
school at the University of Minnesota.
Phil Vercotta was another who decided
to play professionally overseas in Finland.
Steve Janizak, the reserve goalie,
signed with the NHL's Colorado Rockies.
Buzz Schneider, the only member of
this team to play in the 1976 Olympics,
went on to play
hockey in Switzerland.
Bill Baker, the defense man
from Grand Rapids,
Minnesota, signed with
the Montreal Canadiens.
Steve Kristof also signed a pro
contract with the Minnesota North Stars.
Mark Pavlitz was
another who went to play in
Switzerland as a member
of the Lugano team.
Mark Wells, who
played college hockey at
Bowling Green, signed
with the New York Rangers.
Ken Morrow experienced
yet another great thrill, joining
the New York Islanders who
went on to win the Stanley Cup.
Rob McClanahan from St. Paul, Minnesota,
turned pro with the Buffalo Sabres.
Bob Suter opened a sporting goods store
in his hometown of Madison, Wisconsin.
Mark Johnson, also from
Madison, began his pro career
one week after the Olympics
with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Captain Mike Arruzzione, who scored
the winning goal against the Soviet Union,
having experienced the ultimate, kept
his promise and retired from hockey.
John Rob Scherz Neoans.
Anyway, see you next week.
CHING CHONG.
.