Discover Which 1980 USA Hockey Players Went Pro In The NHL

Welcome to our article, where we take a closer look at the 1980 USA Hockey team and the players who went on to have successful careers in the National Hockey League (NHL).

Known as the Miracle on Ice, the victory of the United States over the Soviet Union at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York is one of the most iconic moments in sports history. While many of the members of the team were amateur players, a number of them went on to have successful careers in the NHL.

In this article, we’ll discover which 1980 USA Hockey players played in the NHL, which ones had successful careers, and what impact the Miracle on Ice had on the league. Whether you’re a fan of hockey or simply enjoy the thrill of a great underdog story, you won’t want to miss this exciting journey through hockey history.

So grab your favorite hockey jersey, sit back, and let’s dive into the fascinating world of the 1980 USA Hockey team and their impact on the NHL.

How Many 1980 USA Hockey Team Members Played In The NHL?

The 1980 USA Hockey Team, also known as the “Miracle on Ice” team, was one of the most legendary teams in hockey history. The team was made up of a group of young and relatively unknown players, but they managed to beat the heavily favored Soviet Union team in the Olympic semi-finals and went on to win the gold medal. But how many players from that historic team went on to play in the National Hockey League (NHL)?

Out of the 20 players on the roster, 13 eventually played in the NHL. Some of the most notable players include Mike Ramsey, Dave Christian, Mark Johnson, and Ken Morrow. All four players had successful careers in the NHL, with Morrow even winning four consecutive Stanley Cups with the New York Islanders.

It’s important to note that not all of the players from the 1980 USA Hockey Team pursued careers in the NHL. Some went on to play professionally in Europe, while others retired from hockey altogether to pursue other career paths.

Despite the fact that only 13 players from the team played in the NHL, their impact on the league was significant. The team’s success at the Olympics helped to popularize hockey in the United States and inspired a new generation of young players.

Overall, the 1980 USA Hockey Team’s victory over the Soviet Union remains one of the greatest moments in sports history. And while not all of the players from that team went on to play in the NHL, the impact they had on the sport is undeniable.

What Percentage Of The 1980 USA Hockey Team Made It To The NHL?

1. Out of the 20 players on the 1980 USA Hockey Team, 13 players went on to play in the NHL. This means that 65% of the team played in the NHL.

2. Mike Ramsey was the first player from the team to play in the NHL, debuting in the 1980-81 season. Mark Pavelich was the last player from the team to play in the NHL, retiring after the 1991-92 season.

3. The 13 players who played in the NHL went on to play a total of 4,319 games and scored a total of 1,090 goals. Neal Broten had the most NHL games with 1,099 and Mark Johnson scored the most goals with 203.

4. Interestingly, Jim Craig, the goalie who played every minute of the Olympic tournament, never played in the NHL. Instead, he played for a short time in the International Hockey League and later became a goaltending coach.

Overall, it’s clear that the majority of the 1980 USA Hockey Team went on to successful NHL careers. But just how successful were these players? Let’s take a closer look.

• Forwards made up the majority of the 1980 USA Hockey Team, and this was reflected in the number of players from this position who went on to play in the NHL. 16 of the 20 forwards on the team eventually made it to the NHL.

• Defensemen were the next most represented position on the 1980 USA Hockey Team. Of the 8 defensemen on the team, 5 went on to play in the NHL. These players included the team’s captain, Mike Eruzione, who famously scored the game-winning goal against the Soviet Union.

• Only 1 goaltender, Jim Craig, from the 1980 USA Hockey Team made it to the NHL. However, Craig had a successful career and was a key player on the team during the Miracle on Ice.

• It is important to note that the positions with the highest representation in the NHL among the 1980 USA Hockey Team can vary depending on the measurement used. For example, if we look at total number of NHL games played by position, defensemen had the highest representation with a combined total of 3,474 games played, while forwards had 2,715 games played and goaltenders had 283 games played.

Overall, the 1980 USA Hockey Team had a strong representation in the NHL, especially among the forward position. The team’s success at the Olympics certainly helped boost the players’ profiles and many of them went on to have successful careers in the NHL.

How Many Games Did The 1980 USA Hockey Team NHL Players Play In Total?

While it’s impressive that a number of players from the 1980 USA Hockey team went on to play in the NHL, how many games did they actually play in total? The answer might surprise you.

According to research, the 13 players who went on to play in the NHL amassed a total of 6,878 games played between them.

That averages out to about 529 games per player, with Neal Broten leading the pack at 1,099 games played and Steve Janaszak bringing up the rear with just two games played.

Interestingly, of the 13 players who played in the NHL, only two of them – Bob Suter and Mark Pavelich – played less than 100 games in their NHL careers.

Which 1980 USA Hockey Players Went On To Have Successful NHL Careers?

Mike Ramsey was a defenseman for the 1980 USA Hockey team and went on to have a successful career in the NHL. He played 1070 regular-season games over 18 seasons, all with the Buffalo Sabres. He was also a three-time All-Star.

Neal Broten was another standout player from the 1980 USA Hockey team. He played 1099 games over 17 seasons in the NHL, most notably with the Minnesota North Stars and the Dallas Stars. He was a two-time All-Star and won a Stanley Cup with the Devils in 1995.

Mark Johnson was a forward on the 1980 USA Hockey team and went on to play in the NHL for 11 seasons. He played for four different teams, including the Pittsburgh Penguins and St. Louis Blues, and recorded 508 points in 669 regular-season games.

Ken Morrow was a defenseman on the 1980 USA Hockey team and played in the NHL for 10 seasons. He played for the New York Islanders, where he won four consecutive Stanley Cups from 1980 to 198He played in 550 regular-season games and recorded 203 points.

Overall, many players from the 1980 USA Hockey team went on to have successful NHL careers, with some even achieving legendary status. Their success helped to cement the Miracle on Ice as one of the greatest moments in sports history.

What Are Some Memorable Moments From The NHL Careers Of 1980 USA Hockey Players?

Miracle on Manchester: Mark Pavelich scored five points in one game to lead the Minnesota North Stars to a comeback win against the heavily favored Edmonton Oilers.

Calder Trophy Winner: Neal Broten became the first American-born player to win the Calder Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s top rookie, after scoring 38 goals and 60 assists for the North Stars in the 1981-82 season.

Stanley Cup Champion: Ken Morrow won four Stanley Cups with the New York Islanders and was a key part of their dynasty in the early 1980s.

Record-Breaking Performance: Dave Christian scored four goals and added two assists to help the Washington Capitals set a record for the most goals scored in a playoff game in a 11-5 win over the Philadelphia Flyers in 1984.

These are just a few of the many memorable moments from the NHL careers of the 1980 USA Hockey players. Their achievements on the ice continue to inspire future generations of American hockey players and fans. Keep reading to learn more about their journeys to the NHL and the impact they had on the sport.

Were Any 1980 USA Hockey Players Drafted By NHL Teams Before The Miracle On Ice?

Draft history: Before their historic Olympic win in 1980, several members of the USA Hockey team had already been drafted by NHL teams, including Mike Ramsey, Ken Morrow, and Neal Broten.

Ramsey: Ramsey was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the first round of the 1979 NHL Entry Draft, just months before the Olympics. He would go on to have a successful NHL career, playing over 1,000 games and winning a Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1991.

Morrow: Morrow was also drafted in the first round of the 1979 NHL Entry Draft, going to the New York Islanders. He won four consecutive Stanley Cups with the Islanders from 1980 to 1983 and played over 500 NHL games in total.

Broten: Broten was drafted by the Minnesota North Stars in the second round of the 1979 NHL Entry Draft. He went on to play over 1,100 NHL games and won a Stanley Cup with the Dallas Stars in 1999.

Despite being drafted before the Miracle on Ice, these players still had a significant impact on the historic win and helped pave the way for future American-born NHL players.

Did Any 1980 USA Hockey Players Get Drafted In The First Round?

As the 1980 Winter Olympics unfolded, the United States men’s ice hockey team accomplished what many considered impossible. They defeated the heavily favored Soviet Union team and won the gold medal, a feat that came to be known as the Miracle on Ice. Many of the players on that team went on to have successful careers in the NHL, but did any of them get drafted in the first round?

The answer is yes, two players from the Miracle on Ice team were selected in the first round of the NHL Draft. Those players were defenseman Ken Morrow and forward Mike Ramsey. Morrow was drafted 15th overall by the New York Islanders, where he would go on to win four Stanley Cup championships. Ramsey was selected 11th overall by the Buffalo Sabres and had a lengthy career in the NHL, playing over 1,000 games and earning a spot in the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.

It’s worth noting that several other players from the Miracle on Ice team were also selected in the NHL Draft, but they were chosen in later rounds. This includes Mark Johnson, who scored two goals in the victory over the Soviet Union and went on to be a first-round pick in the 1981 NHL Draft, selected 66th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The success of the Miracle on Ice team helped to grow the popularity of hockey in the United States and inspired a generation of young players. The fact that several players from that team went on to successful NHL careers only added to the legacy of the Miracle on Ice and cemented its place in sports history.

In conclusion, while only two players from the Miracle on Ice team were selected in the first round of the NHL Draft, several others went on to have successful careers in the league. The Miracle on Ice remains one of the greatest moments in sports history and continues to inspire people around the world.

What NHL Teams Drafted The Most 1980 USA Hockey Team Members?

After the historic victory by the 1980 USA Hockey Team, many of the players went on to play in the NHL. Some even had a significant impact on the league, becoming legends in their own right. But which NHL teams drafted the most members of the 1980 USA Hockey team? Let’s take a look.

• Minnesota North Stars: The Minnesota North Stars drafted three players from the 1980 USA Hockey Team, including Neal Broten, who went on to have a successful career in the NHL. He played for the North Stars, Dallas Stars, and New Jersey Devils throughout his 17-year career.
• Chicago Blackhawks: The Chicago Blackhawks also drafted three players from the 1980 USA Hockey Team, including Jack O’Callahan, who played for the team for four seasons. O’Callahan was known for his physical play and strong defensive skills, helping the Blackhawks reach the playoffs in 1982.
• Boston Bruins: The Boston Bruins drafted two members of the 1980 USA Hockey Team, including Mike Eruzione, the team captain who scored the game-winning goal against the Soviet Union in the “Miracle on Ice” game. Eruzione played for the Bruins’ minor league affiliate but never played in the NHL.
• New York Rangers: The New York Rangers also drafted two members of the 1980 USA Hockey Team, including Mark Pavelich, who played for the team for three seasons. Pavelich was known for his offensive skills, helping the Rangers reach the playoffs in 1982.

While other NHL teams also drafted members of the 1980 USA Hockey Team, these four teams stand out for having drafted multiple players. It’s clear that the impact of the “Miracle on Ice” victory extended beyond just one game, as many of the players went on to have successful careers in the NHL.

What Impact Did The 1980 USA Hockey Team Have On The NHL?

It’s safe to say that the 1980 USA hockey team had a profound impact on the National Hockey League. The team’s unexpected victory over the Soviet Union in the medal round of the Winter Olympics created a new generation of fans and inspired many young players to take up the sport. The team’s success also helped to raise the profile of American hockey on the international stage. Expansion became a major theme for the NHL in the 1980s, and the league began to grow rapidly during this time.

The popularity of hockey in the United States continued to soar throughout the 1980s, with many fans becoming more interested in the NHL as a result of the success of the 1980 USA hockey team. The league expanded to new cities and gained new fans, and many former members of the team went on to have successful careers in the NHL. Television coverage of the NHL also increased in the wake of the 1980 Olympics, with many networks eager to capitalize on the newfound popularity of the sport.

The 1980 USA hockey team had a lasting impact on the NHL, both on and off the ice. The team’s success helped to popularize hockey in the United States and paved the way for future generations of American players. The team’s coach, Herb Brooks, went on to have a successful career in the NHL as well, and his coaching style and innovative strategies continue to influence the league to this day. Legacy of the 1980 USA hockey team will always be remembered as one of the greatest moments in sports history and as a turning point for American hockey.

How Did The Miracle On Ice Affect The Perception Of American Hockey In The NHL?

Before the Miracle on Ice, the perception of American hockey in the NHL was not very positive. Many people believed that the Americans did not have what it takes to compete against the top teams in the world, especially against the Soviet Union. However, the Miracle on Ice changed everything.

After defeating the Soviet Union and going on to win the gold medal, the American team had not only proven their skill and determination, but they also gave hope to young players all over the country. The impact of this victory on American hockey was immediate and profound, and the perception of American players in the NHL began to change.

The Miracle on Ice made people realize that American players had the potential to be just as talented and successful as players from other countries. As a result, more American players were drafted into the NHL, and American hockey became more competitive on the world stage. Today, many of the top players in the NHL are American, and the Miracle on Ice played a significant role in changing the perception of American hockey forever.

Where Are The 1980 USA Hockey Players Now?

After the 1980 Olympics, many of the players from the team went on to successful careers in the NHL, while others pursued different paths. Some players retired from hockey and pursued careers outside of sports. However, the team will always be remembered for their historic accomplishment and their impact on American hockey.

Jim Craig, the goalie who helped lead the team to victory, went on to play in the NHL for several years before retiring from professional hockey. He later became a motivational speaker and worked in real estate. Meanwhile, Mark Johnson, who scored two goals in the Miracle on Ice game, played for several NHL teams before becoming a coach at the University of Wisconsin.

Mike Eruzione, the team captain who scored the game-winning goal against the Soviet Union, retired from professional hockey after the Olympics and pursued a career in broadcasting. Other players, such as Ken Morrow, Dave Silk, and Neal Broten, went on to play in the NHL for several years and then pursued careers outside of hockey.

Today, many of the players from the 1980 USA Hockey team are retired and living their lives outside of professional sports. Some are involved in coaching or broadcasting, while others work in fields outside of sports. Despite the different paths they have taken, they will always be remembered as a part of one of the greatest moments in American sports history.

How Many 1980 USA Hockey Players Are Still Involved In Hockey Today?

Several members of the 1980 USA Hockey team went on to have long careers in the NHL as players, coaches, and executives. However, not all of them remained involved in hockey. As of 2021, there are 17 surviving players from the Miracle on Ice team.

Many of the players have stayed involved in the sport, either as coaches or broadcasters. For example, Ken Morrow is a scout for the New York Islanders, Mark Johnson is the head coach of the women’s hockey team at the University of Wisconsin, and Dave Christian has coached high school hockey in Minnesota.

Some players have also remained involved in the USA Hockey program. Mike Eruzione, who scored the game-winning goal against the Soviet Union, has worked as a broadcaster and motivational speaker, as well as serving on the board of directors for USA Hockey. Jim Craig has also worked as a motivational speaker and was involved in the planning of the 1980 Miracle on Ice Fantasy Camp.

What Lessons Can We Learn From The 1980 USA Hockey Miracle On Ice?

The power of teamwork is one of the most significant takeaways from the 1980 USA Hockey Miracle on Ice. Despite being underdogs, the team rallied together and showed the world that anything is possible when people work together towards a common goal.

The Miracle on Ice also demonstrates the importance of mental toughness. The team faced numerous challenges and setbacks throughout their journey, but they never gave up. Their resilience and ability to stay focused in the face of adversity were crucial to their success.

Another lesson we can learn from the Miracle on Ice is the importance of preparation. Coach Herb Brooks spent countless hours analyzing the Soviet team and devising a game plan that would give his team the best chance to win. The team also trained rigorously to improve their physical and mental abilities, which ultimately paid off in the end.

The Miracle on Ice also serves as a reminder of the power of belief. Despite the odds stacked against them, the team never lost faith in themselves and their abilities. They believed they could achieve the impossible, and they did.

Finally, the Miracle on Ice teaches us the importance of embracing the moment. The team knew they were a part of something special and cherished every moment of their experience. They inspired a nation and left an indelible mark on the world of sports.

What Can Business Leaders Learn From The Team’s Success?

The Importance of Teamwork: The 1980 USA Hockey Team showed us that success is not achieved by individual effort alone. It takes a cohesive team with a shared vision, strong leadership, and trust in each other to achieve great things.

The Value of Hard Work: The team’s success was not accidental. It was the result of years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. Business leaders can learn from this and understand that success doesn’t come easy. It takes time, effort, and perseverance to achieve great things.

The Power of Positive Attitude: The 1980 USA Hockey Team faced many obstacles and challenges, but they remained positive and never lost faith in themselves. A positive attitude can be contagious and can inspire others to believe in themselves and their abilities.

The Need for Adaptability: The team’s victory against the Soviet Union was a result of their ability to adapt to the changing circumstances of the game. Business leaders can learn from this and understand that the ability to adapt to changing markets, technology, and circumstances is crucial for success.

The Importance of Leadership: The leadership of coach Herb Brooks was instrumental in the team’s success. He instilled a sense of discipline, accountability, and motivation in his players. Business leaders can learn from this and understand that effective leadership is essential for achieving great things.

How Did The Team’s Coach Herb Brooks’ Philosophy Contribute To Their Victory?

The success of the 1980 USA Hockey team was in part due to the unique coaching philosophy of Herb Brooks. Brooks emphasized a style of play that was aggressive, fast-paced, and focused on teamwork. He pushed his players to strive for excellence and challenged them to be better every day, both on and off the ice. His unconventional coaching methods included intense physical conditioning, long hours of practice, and a focus on mental toughness.

Brooks also had a knack for bringing together a group of players with diverse backgrounds and personalities and turning them into a cohesive team. He knew how to motivate his players and instill in them a sense of pride in their country and their team. His leadership style helped the players to trust each other and work towards a common goal, even in the face of adversity.

Brooks’ approach to coaching has become legendary in the hockey world and has been studied and emulated by coaches at all levels of the sport. His philosophy of hard work, teamwork, and a focus on the fundamentals of the game continues to inspire players and coaches today.

What Lessons Can Athletes Today Take From The 1980 USA Hockey Team’s Mindset?

The 1980 USA Hockey Team’s historic upset over the heavily favored Soviet Union team was not only a triumph of physical skill but also a testament to their mindset. Here are some lessons athletes today can take from their mindset:

1. Believe in yourself: The 1980 USA Hockey Team had confidence in their abilities despite the odds against them. This belief in themselves helped them to stay focused and committed.
2. Embrace teamwork: The team had a shared goal and worked together to achieve it. Each member understood their role and put the team’s success above their own individual glory.
3. Adapt to change: When the team faced obstacles, such as injuries and a change in the game’s location, they remained adaptable and resilient, adjusting their game plan to overcome the challenges.
4. Stay disciplined: The team was known for their rigorous training and discipline, which allowed them to stay focused and prepared for the game.
5. Never give up: Despite facing numerous setbacks, the team never gave up. They kept fighting until the very end, even when the odds were against them.

Athletes today can learn from the 1980 USA Hockey Team’s mindset by believing in themselves, embracing teamwork, adapting to change, staying disciplined, and never giving up. These lessons can help athletes achieve success both on and off the field.

Frequently Asked Questions