The success of the hockey team responsible for America’s “Miracle on Ice” in the 1980 Olympics was largely attributed to the late Herb Brooks. The legendary coach carefully assembled a scrappy squad of college amateurs that magically came together to take down the mighty Soviet team and then win the Gold against Finland. But before Brooks was a gold medal winning coach, he was a two-time Olympian, playing for the U.S. in the 1964 and 1968 Games. Brooks wore this very jersey as USA’s co-captain during the ’68 Winter Games held in the French Alps city of Grenoble.
Team USA got off to a horrific 0-4 start, but rebounded with two wins and a tie to finish in sixth place. After the ’68 Games, Brooks returned to his alma mater at the University of Minnesota and coached the Gophers to three NCAA titles. This lead to Brooks being hired to coach the U.S. Olympic team. Using his experience playing the Soviets in ‘64 and ‘68, Brooks assembled the famous squad (comprised mostly of his own Gopher players) that would make history in the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” game in Lake Placid. He continued coaching at the collegiate, professional (Rangers, North Stars & Devils) and international level for two more decades, also working as a scout and front office exec for the Penguins, before his death in 2003 from a car crash at the age of 66.
The white jersey has “USA” across the chest in red, white and blue tackle twill above striping of the same patriotic colors along the bottom edge of the body and sleeves. Brooks’ captain’s “C” is sewn on the left chest and his number “4” appears on each shoulder in red, white and blue tackle twill. The collar has the original lacing and his number “4” is sewn on the back in red, white and blue tackle twill. The interior tail has the original Gerry Cosby size 46 label with a “67” year tag affixed. The jersey shows tremendous game use with many abrasions, board burns and even what looks like a few scattered blood stains. A true “been there” Olympic gamer worn by the inspirational man responsible for later leading one of the greatest upsets in sports history. Vintage sweaters like this are rare commodities in the hobby, especially from an American sports legend.
Includes letter of provenance from the Brooks family.