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For the first time in 12 years, Olympic hockey will feature the cream of the crop.
National Hockey League players were first allowed to participate in the 1998 Winter Olympics, but that took a break after the 2014 Games.
Before NHL players played, United States teams were primarily filled with college and amateur stars, while competing against professionals from other countries. That’s precisely why “Miracle on Ice” is called exactly that – with a little help from Al Michaels, of course.
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Jim Craig celebrates the victory of the American team against the USSR on February 22, 1980. (Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
In 2018 and 2022, the NHL again banned current players from competing, but the league reversed course for next month’s competition.
Jim Craig, the goalkeeper of the 1980 American team, is all for the arrival of the pros.
“As long as the playing field is level, why not pit the best athletes in the world against each other? The best play for each other,” Craig told PK Press Club Digital in a recent interview.
However, with each athlete having a distinct responsibility in building their own brand, Craig wants each player to go into this year with the same mentality as he and his teammates.
Players and fans sing the American national anthem before the 4 Nations hockey match between Canada and the United States in Montreal, February 15, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)
1980 MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES HOCKEY TEAM “RUN BACK THE MIRACLE” AT THE LAKE PLACID MEETING
“I just hope they have the same commitment as the amateurs, right? It’s not about their brand or where they play. It’s about representing their country, and it’s not about themselves,” Craig said. “That’s what I’m really proud of is what our teammates were able to do. It wasn’t about who gets the best contract, where are you going, how much money are you going to make? It was about what was really important, and that is representing your country.”
For Craig, the 4 Nations confrontation proved it.
“You can be politically correct all you want, but you can see how anti-politically correct these teams were,” Craig said with a laugh. “Canada wanted to win, and the United States wanted to win, and you can even see the way Canada chose their team. [this year]. I mean, their team isn’t just made up of the greatest athletes anymore. This is one of the elements it will take to beat the United States.
“They are tougher, there are players who, like Herb [Brooks] said: “I’m not looking for the best players, I’m looking for the good players.” I really think now when they go to the Olympics, it’s not about who’s the top scorer. They’re really looking for something that will help them win, and that’s something Herb did a long time ago.”
Matt Boldy #12 of Team USA and Sidney Crosby #87 of Team Canada shake hands after the 4 Nations championship game at TD Garden on February 20, 2025 in Boston. (Chase Agnello-Dean/4NFO/Hockey World Cup via Getty Images)
Men’s hockey begins Feb. 12, with the gold medal game taking place 10 days later, 46 years to the day after the Americans defeated the Soviets.
