[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 31 (Tuesday, February 24, 2015)]
[House]
[Pages H1091-H1092]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             MIRACLE ON ICE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
New York (Ms. Stefanik) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. STEFANIK. ``Do you believe in miracles?''
  Madam Speaker, these were the iconic words uttered by legendary 
sportscaster Al Michaels with just 3 seconds left in the historic match 
between Team USA and the Soviet national hockey team in the 1980 Winter 
Olympics in Lake Placid. With the eyes of the world on the Lake Placid 
games, through sheer grit and determination, an amateur Team USA 
proudly did what many thought would be impossible by defeating the 
favored Soviet team.

[[Page H1092]]

  Decades of cold war politics made this event more than just an 
ordinary hockey game. For many, it was one more proud reminder of what 
a determined and united America can accomplish. I grew up hearing this 
story firsthand from my dad, who was in Lake Placid with his best 
friend, Doug Brownell, when the underdog Team USA won and the crowds 
erupted in cheers. It was an awe-inspiring moment for our entire 
country and the world.
  Our community in Lake Placid and the North Country still celebrate 
this incredible occasion. This past weekend Lake Placid was proud to 
host a reunion celebrating the 35th anniversary of this game and 
hosting the players from the 1980 Team USA men's hockey team. Our North 
Country community is proud to be a home for this historic and inspiring 
event, and I am proud to stand on the House floor today to commemorate 
the 35th anniversary of the ``miracle on ice.''

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