It's not their gold medal win against Finland that remains in our memory. It's the prior game in Lake Placid, when a ragtag group of American collegiate and amateur hockey players defeated the Soviet powerhouse team in one of the most inspirational moments in Olympic history. Due to the Cold War, the countries were natural rivals. And in an exhibition match held before the games, the Soviet team routed the Americans 10-3.

But at the Olympics the American team found their groove with dramatic ties and stunning victories. Still, the day before the match, most thought it would take a miracle for the U.S. to win. As the seconds wound down and the scoreboard showed U.S. ahead 4-3 after they scored a last-second goal, commentator Al Michaels made his famous call: "Five seconds left in the game....Do you believe in miracles? Yes! Unbelievable!" Later team captain Mike Eruzione stood on the podium meant only for the captains and motioned for his teammates to join him. Because, after all, it was a team that made the "miracle on ice" happen.