Saratoga, N.Y. - Congresswoman Elise Stefanik joined Congressmen Pete Stauber (R-MN), Bill Keating (D-MA), and Mike Quigley (D-IL), in introducing the bipartisan Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act. This legislation would award three Congressional Gold Medals to the members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team in recognition of their extraordinary achievement at the 1980 Olympic Winter Games where USA defeated the Soviet Union’s hockey team in the historic “Miracle on Ice.”
“It is an honor to represent Lake Placid where our 1980 United States Olympic Hockey Team taught our nation how to believe in miracles when they defeated the dominant Soviet Union hockey team during the Cold War. Our North Country community is proud to be home of this historic and inspiring event and as we work to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the “Miracle on Ice” this legislation honors our Olympic victors for their legendary achievement,” said Congresswoman Elise Stefanik.
“We applaud the introduction of the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act and appreciate the work done by Representatives Stauber, Stefanik, Quigley and Keating,” said Pat Kelleher, Executive Director of USA Hockey. “The 1980 U.S. Olympic Men’s Hockey Team is most deserving of receiving the Congressional Gold Medal. Their unlikely run to the gold medal in Lake Placid, which included a historic win over the Soviet Union, inspired our nation at what was a very trying time. We encourage fans to contact their congressional representatives in support of this bill and its passage.”
“The most special moments in sports actually transcend the playing surface. Truly rare are those that captivate an entire nation and still resound nearly half a century later. The 1980 U.S. Olympic Men’s Hockey Team’s stunning victory over the Soviets in Lake Placid, N.Y., and its gold medal-clinching triumph over Finland two days later comprise perhaps the most memorable and impactful achievement in the history of athletics. We at the National Hockey League enthusiastically support the introduction of the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act and look forward to its passage in Congress and eventual signing by the President,” said National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman.
The three Congressional Gold Medals will be given to three different locations: the Lake Placid Olympic Center in Lake Placid, NY; the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth, MN; and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs, CO.
Read the full legislation HERE.
