Mike Eruzione aims to create space for new American hockey heroes

MILAN — Mike Eruzione’s Touching Moments after Il Duomo Visit

Milan’s iconic cathedral, Il Duomo, was the backdrop for Mike Eruzione’s reflections last Saturday, just before he received a touching phone call. This situation feels particularly fitting. It’s almost as if the reactions he still inspires, even 46 years after his infamous play, echo sentiments that come from nearby — about 350 miles south, where the Pope resides in the Vatican.

“People approach me, and they start crying,” Eruzione shared. Just a day before Team USA faced Canada, aiming for their first gold since the 1980 team he led, he reflected on the emotional impact of that moment. “Depending on their age, they share, ‘I remember where I was when Kennedy was assassinated or during 9/11, and when we won.’” He chuckled, “I always say, ‘We? I didn’t know you were on the team.’ But you see, that’s the essence of those Olympic moments.”

His fellow teammates from the Miracle on Ice can relate. Ken Morrow recalled many people saying that game was the first time they witnessed their fathers crying. The stakes on Sunday may not reach the historic magnitude of that 1980 game in Lake Placid, but this match could very well be the biggest hockey event since then. If both men’s and women’s teams clinch golds, who knows? The impact might be equally as significant.

Eruzione was there when Megan Keller scored the game-winning goal for the women’s team. And yes, he’ll be in attendance again on Sunday. “I told the women’s team captain, Hilary Knight, just think of all the girls at home wishing to be hockey players,” he noted. “Those moments have a lasting effect on hockey’s future. I expect the same from our men’s team.”

With seven grandkids, five of whom are boys, Eruzione said, “I know they’ll be glued to the TV… They’re excited to watch and want to feel that magic moment for themselves. This is crucial for the sport and this team.”

On Saturday morning, he reached out to Team USA via text, reminding them to cherish this game they’ve dreamed of since childhood. It may sound cliché, but for players like Charlie McAvoy, it resonates deeply. “I’ve thought about it since I first watched the Miracle on Ice,” he said.

Eruzione believes this year’s squad is arguably the strongest yet. “We’ve got better depth compared to Canada,” he remarked, despite acknowledging Connor McDavid as a standout talent. “Our defense is solid. I really think we can win. I hope we win.”

Team USA players frequently express their pride in representing the flag, and Eruzione feels the same. “I’ll repeat this for the rest of my life: There’s no better feeling than donning a USA jersey, aside from being in public service roles like police officers or firefighters. It’s not just a game for the Islanders or Rangers; it’s for our country.”

The Miracle on Ice united the nation during a challenging time in history, and while the current climate isn’t identical, Eruzione believes a similar unifying moment would be welcome now. “Will it change the world? I honestly don’t know,” he said. “But it’ll surely make people feel proud to be American. Maybe the women’s victory did a little of that already.”