Earlier this year, in a conversation with FOX News Digital, Jim Craig, the goalie from the Miracle on Ice team, expressed his hopes that this year’s U.S. Olympic men’s hockey team would embody the same dedication as the legendary 1980 squad. It seems this current team has indeed won Craig’s admiration.
In a celebratory Instagram post following the U.S.’s thrilling overtime win against Sweden in the quarterfinals, Craig commended the team for their preparation ahead of the gold medal match against Canada. He noted a palpable sense of calm and readiness in their approach, especially when the stakes are high.
He remarked, “Great teams don’t chase history; they create it. The 1980 team showed what faith could accomplish, and this group shares that same edge. Different players, but the same emblem on their jerseys carries weight—it symbolizes history, sacrifice, and belief.”
Craig took a moment to congratulate the U.S. team on their victory, emphasizing that there was much more to come.
In his Olympic days, NHL players weren’t allowed to participate. While he supports the idea of having the best athletes compete, Craig feels it’s essential for them to maintain their dedication, just like they did as amateurs. “Ultimately, it’s about representing the country, not themselves,” he reiterated during a recent discussion.
The current national team’s performance against Slovakia was commendable, and they’re gearing up to face Canada for the Olympic gold medal. Craig expressed pride in his teammates from the past, highlighting that it’s never been about personal gain; the focus was always on national representation.
Craig’s confidence in this team was reinforced by their earlier performances. He reflected on a previous four-nation tournament, pointing out the clear competitive spirit among teams, including Canada and the United States. He noted that Canada has selected a squad that not only includes top talents but also possesses the right attitude necessary to challenge the U.S.
“They’re tougher,” Craig mentioned, noting the importance of team dynamics over individual accolades. “When it comes to the Olympics, it’s not just about who scores the most; it’s about finding players who contribute to winning.”
As the gold medal game approaches, set to take place on the 46th anniversary of the “Miracle on Ice,” there’s a sense of anticipation for what this team can accomplish.
