The 'Other' Miracle on Ice Games

I recently came upon some gems from a friend.  Way back in February of 1980, they had recorded all of ABC's broadcasts of the USA men's hockey games.  I've had a copy of THE 'Miracle on Ice' game for a few years...one of the greatest upsets in sports history and one that still brings a lump in the throat when I watch it.  It was a time in which I was just beginning to become interested in hockey...and the USA team burst on the scene to just build my love for the game.

Every game was represented in the pack of video...with Jim McKay hosting and Al Michaels doing play by play...it just floods the memories back to me of those times. 

One of the biggest memories I have of those games were the atrocious coverage hockey received (and still recieves) during the games.  The Sweden game is limited to highlights and the last three minutes of the third period.  Other games evoke those memories of the ever famous line McKay would say over and over again because ABC was showing some fluff piece, instead of the games...'While we were away...'  Nearly all of the goals in the USA vs West Germany game were scored off the air...brutal. Living on the west coast was even worse, as we learned of the results of the games from our afternoon newspaper before they would even show the games on TV...usually after 9pm at night.

The quality is grainy and jumpy...but that splotchy colored blue ice and the wide open skating, skinny goalies and flow of the game really brings me back to how the game is supposed to be played.  At some point, maybe the Vatican will recognize this truly holy event in the light that it should be.

And then there is this newly discovered play by play of the game against the Soviets by a reporter for ABC News Radio...instead of taking notes, he just did play by play while in the arena.  His call of Eruzione's game winning goal is beautiful...voice cracking and everything.