Hey Terriers! You read the title of this article right… We’re back with another hockey article from yours truly. Let’s get into the action! The BU Terriers will take on the BC Eagles — our long-time rivals in the Battle of Comm. Ave. — this Saturday, February 29, at 7 pm in Agganis Arena. This game is sure to be a heated one. BU lost to BC in our away game at the Outhouse on the Hill on January 18, but then absolutely devastated them in a miraculous comeback in the Beanpot semifinals.
But this night is special for more than one reason. Not only is it the home game of our favorite college hockey rivalry, but it’s also the game at which Boston University will honor the four BU hockey alumni who played on the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” U.S. Olympic Team.
If you don’t know the story of the “Miracle Team,” boy, do I have a movie for you. Miracle (2004), a classic hockey movie and Disney masterpiece (if I do say so myself). The movie details the hard-fought road to the Olympics for the team of amateur U.S. hockey players who took on the Soviet Union — clear favorites for the gold — in the midst of the fear and confusion of the Cold War.
The underdog “Miracle” team’s win against the Soviets has been called “one of the most dramatic upsets in Olympic history” as well as “one of the greatest moments in American sports history.” That being said, it’s pretty amazing to think that four BU players had a role in such an iconic moment in sports history. And it wasn’t a small role at that. Mike Eruzione, BU ‘77, was the captain of the gold-winning team, with BU goalie Jim Craig in the net for all 60 minutes of all 7 games played, and Dave Silk and Jack O’Callahan rounding out the Terrier squad that made it to Lake Placid.
BU has been holding “Miracle on Ice Month” throughout February to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the “Miracle” team. It started with a pre-game book signing with Mike Eruzione and continued at BU’s home game against UConn on February 22, which marked 40 years to the day since the game against the Soviet Union. In celebration, attendees were given “BUSA” pins.
This Saturday is the big finale, with a ceremony before the BU vs. BC game that will reunite the “BU Four” on campus and honor them and their accomplishments. A great rivalry and a great sports moment to remember… What more could we ask for? (I’d also like to mention that Mike Eruzione has specifically pointed out that there were no players from Boston College on the “Miracle” team. Coincidence? I think not!)
To get ready for the action, you can watch (or rewatch) Miracle (2004) on Disney+ or Netflix. I know I’m definitely going to put it on before heading to Agganis on Saturday!
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