'Miracle on Ice' hockey team may be honored with Congressional Gold Medals

WASHINGTON (ABC22/FOX44) - A bill to honor one of the most famous sports events in the history of the North Country will be going to the president's desk after passing the U.S. House of Representatives Monday.

H.R. 452 would recognize the 1980 U.S. Olympic men's hockey team with three Congressional Gold Medals, one of which would be displayed at the Lake Placid Olympic Center. The other two would be displayed at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth, Minnesota.

“It is an incredible honor to represent Lake Placid, where the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men’s Hockey Team pulled off one of the greatest sports upsets in world history,” said Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-Schuylerville).

The Soviet Union was heavily favored to win that year's men’s hockey tournament, with its teams having won four times in a row prior to meeting the U.S. in the round-robin tournament that year. The American hockey team did not lead the game until the final ten minutes, and held on to win, 4-3. The U.S. then defeated Finland 4-2 in the next game to clinch the gold medal.

The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian honor bestowed by Congress and can be compared to the Presidential Medal of Freedom bestowed by the president. According to the Congressional Research Service, "Congress has awarded gold medals to express public gratitude for distinguished contributions, dramatize the virtues of patriotism, and perpetuate the remembrance of great events."

"Great moments are born from great challenge," said Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) last week, "and the Congressional Gold Medal will ensure this amazing story’s legacy continues on for generations to come."