U.S. men sense that ‘Miracle’ destiny

  • Wednesday, February 20, 2002 9:00pm
  • Sports

Associated Press

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah – Just as it did in 1980, the U.S. Olympic hockey team is beginning to believe in the magic word “destiny.”

John LeClair, losing a tooth but not his scoring touch, and linemate Brett Hull each scored a goal and the streaking United States closed within a victory of its first Olympic medal since the Lake Placid Games, beating Germany 5-0 Wednesday.

Mike Modano, the third member of the productive U.S. top line, had two assists, while Jeremy Roenick, Chris Chelios and Tony Amonte also scored to back Mike Richter’s 28-save effort.

The United States now plays Russia on Friday in a semifinal rematch of their 2-2 tie Saturday that drew the largest U.S. TV audience for hockey since the 1980 Olympics. Russia beat defending gold medalist Czech Republic 1-0 Wednesday.

And how’s this for coincidence: Not only is Herb Brooks the U.S. coach, as he was in 1980, but Friday is the 22nd anniversary of the “Miracle on Ice” – America’s 4-3 Olympic upset by a group of inspired amateurs of the seemingly unbeatable Soviet Union hockey machine.

Asked the differences between that Olympic semifinal game and this one, Brooks said, not even breaking into a smile, “We’re going to watch the U.S. women’s game.”

Otherwise, Brooks repeatedly refused all comparisons as he tries to keep the focus on this group of NHL stars, saying, “There are no similarities whatsoever. I don’t know what else to say.”

Some of his players respectfully disagree, saying they watched that historic game and envisioned playing a similar game sometime in their careers. Several players said this matchup almost seemed fated, with Brooks coaching again and the identical date.

“Some of the guys were talking in the locker room about that,” Modano said. “I played with Neal Broten, who was on that team, and he said there’s never been anything like it.”

There was an upset of historic magnitude in Wednesday’s quarterfinals, but this time it didn’t involve the United States. Just before the Americans took the ice, Belarus stunned previously unbeaten Sweden 4-3 to eliminate a potential finalist.

Brooks said, “I believe that opened up a lot of eyes. It’s why we play the game and why it’s not just something on a piece of paper.”

Copyright ©2002 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Lake Stevens’ Kamryn Mason attempts to flip Glacier Peak’s Kyla Brown onto her back during 110-pound match at the 4A girls wrestling district tournament on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 in Mill Creek, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Vikings girls wrestling conquers 4A District 1 Tournament

Lake Stevens dominated with champions in six weight classes and 18 total state-qualifiers

Coach Derek Lopez (far right) and the Lake Stevens boys' wrestling team celebrates with their championship trophy at the WIAA 4A District 1 Tournament at Jackson High School on Feb. 8, 2025.
Lake Stevens boys capture district wrestling title

The Vikings had 17 state-qualifiers; second-place Arlington led with five weight class winners

Edmonds-Woodway wrestlers react to a pin during the match against Meadowdale on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep boys wrestling roundup for Saturday, Feb. 8

Edmonds-Woodway boys wins Wesco 3A South wrestling title.

Kamiak’s Kai Burgess has her arm raised in the air after beating Arlington’s Jaymari O’Neal in the 125-pound match at the 4A girls wrestling district tournament on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 in Mill Creek, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Rebuilding Kamiak girls wrestling steps forward at District Tournament

Ki Burgess and Eden Cole each won their weight class in Friday’s WIAA District 1 Girls’ 4A Tournament

Prep basketball roundup for Saturday, Feb. 8

Tulalip Heritage boys advance to district title game.

Meadowdale’s Kyairra Roussin takes the ball to the hoop during the game against Archbishop Murphy on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep girls basketball roundup for Friday, Feb. 7

Kyairra Roussin’s deep buzzer-beater lifts Meadowdale over Stanwood.

Prep boys basketball roundup for Friday, Feb. 7

Lake Stevens passes Mariner in league standings to take final district slot.

Seattle head coach Mike Holmgren watches his team against Washington Sunday, November 9, 2003. (George Bridges / KRT / Tribune News Services)
No Holmgren in Hall is a travesty

The Former Seahawks coach carries a resume superior to many already in the HOF.

A Snohomish School District truck clears the parking lot at Glacier Peak High School on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. (Aaron Coe / The Herald)
Inclement weather cancellations strain high school sports calendar

With state tournaments on the horizon, ADs from Wesco, Northwest and Kingco must be flexible

Gonzaga overcomes stagnant start to beat LMU

Bulldogs get ‘best of best’ play down the stretch in 73-53 win.

Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates during a stop of the Arizona Cardinals at Lumen Field on Nov. 24, 2024 (Photo courtesy of Rod Mar / Seattle Seahawks)
Leonard Williams restructures Seahawks deal

More moves may be coming as Seattle deals with salary cap.

Palmer Mutcheson chips onto the green during the Men’s Club Championship at Snohomish Golf Course. Mutcheson won the tournament and carded a nine-under-par 63 on Aug. 4, 2024, which set a new course record. (Photo courtesy Kiana Richards, Snohomish Golf Course)
Tee off in style: The top three golf courses in the Snohomish County

From scenic fairways to championship-level greens, these courses are a golfer’s dream!

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.