This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/6/2022
Team USA’s defeat of the Soviet Olympic team at Lake Placid in 1980 remains one of (if not THE) greatest moments in American sports. Played at a time when the Cold War between America and the West and the Soviets was at its height, the game was so much more because while the Russians sent a team of professional players with extensive international experience, Team USA adhered to the original Olympic values by fielding only amateur players. Culled from the best college players in the country, coach Herb Brooks molded together a squad that was able to do the unthinkable – beat the Soviet pros. This dramatic Type 1 photo shows the action of the first period of the US-USSR game when John Harrington’s shot is blocked by goalie Vladislav Tratjak. Team USA would go on to upset the Soviets, 4-3 in what became known simply as “The Miracle on Ice.” In the annals of recorded sports, there may not be another David vs Goliath, good vs evil, or amateur vs professional moment as breathtaking as what happened at Lake Placid in 1980. Though the US-USSR game is often remembered as the climactic moment of the 1980 Olympic Hockey event, the Miracle on Ice victory was not the end for Team USA for they needed to face Finland two days later in the Gold Medal round. Again, Team USA’s amateurs rose to the occasion, defeating the heavily favored Finland squad 4-2 for the Gold. This Type 1 photo shows light toning throughout with strong edges and corners. The reverse of the photo features the original United Press International caption slug and photographer’s stamp. An action-packed Type 1 photo that captures one of the greatest events in American sports. The photo has been encapsulated and graded a Type 1 Authentic by PSA.