Mike Eruzione: The Goal Heard Around The World

This February will mark the 30^th anniversary of the “Miracle On Ice” when the US hockey team stunned the powerful Soviets and went on to capture the gold.  Mike Eruzione was team captain of that squad and scored “the goal heard around the world.”

Like US Olympic teammate, Jim Craig, Eruzione was also a Massachusetts native and played collegiate hockey at Boston University. Eruzione grew up in Winthrop, MA where he was captain of his high school hockey team. After graduation in 1972, he attended Berwick Academy for one year to polish his hockey skills before attending Boston University.

As a BU Terrier, Mike Eruzione averaged 20 goals (92 career goals) per season from 1973-1977. He was elected team captain as a senior. He is the schools fifth all time leading scorer with 208 points. He only trails John Cullen (241), David Sacco (216), Chris Drury (214) and teammate Rick Meagher (210). His defense was also recognized, as he was voted a four time outstanding defensive forward.

While attending Boston University, Eruzione also played hockey for his country in the 1975 and 1976 World Championships. After graduation, he joined the Toledo Goaldiggers of the International Hockey League. He led the team to a Turner Cup Championship in his first season and was named rookie of the year.

After his second year in Toledo, Eruzione was chosen for the US Olympic Men’s Hockey team.  At the age of 25, he was an elder statesman compared to many of the collegiate players who were still attending school. However, his age and experience helped mold him into a leader and later team captain of Team USA.

During the 1980 Olympic Games in Lake Placid, Mike Eruzione recorded 3 goals and 5 assists. No goal was bigger than the one he scored against the almighty Soviets.

The United States kept clawing back and tied up the game 3-3, on a Mark Johnson tally (second of the game).  With 10 minutes remaining, Eruzione scored on a play set up by Mark Pavelich and John Harrington. The image of Mike Eruzione high stepping in celebration then being engulfed by his teammates has been forever etched in American sports history.

It proved to be the game winner as the youthful, underdog Americans upset the battle tested Soviets to advance to the gold medal game. The US hockey team would beat Finland, after coming from behind yet again, 4-2 to complete the “Miracle On Ice.”

As team captain Mike Eruzione was on the podium to accept his gold medal, he waved over his whole team to join him. They played as team, won as team, and were going to be awarded their gold medals as a team. It was just another incredible moment that would bring tears to any American’s eyes.

This was not just a hockey tournament. It was a galvanizing moment in this country’s history.

And Mike Eruzione was the glue that kept it all together.

The Goal Heard Around The World

Joe Gill is a featured blogger for Boston Sports Then and Now