The Making of a Miracle

The Untold Story of the Captain of the 1980 Gold Medal–Winning U.S. Olympic Hockey Team

By: Mike Eruzione, Neal Boudette

Narrated by: George Newbern

Length: 7 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

On the 40th anniversary of the historic "Miracle on Ice", Mike Eruzione - the captain of the 1980 US Men’s Olympic Hockey Team, who scored of the winning goal - recounts his amazing career on ice, the legendary upset against the Soviets, and winning the gold medal.

It is the greatest American underdog sports story ever told: how a team of college kids and unsigned amateurs, under the tutelage of legendary coach - and legendary taskmaster - Herb Brooks, beat the elite Soviet hockey team on their way to winning the gold medal at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics. No one believed the scrappy Americans had a real shot at winning. Despite being undefeated, the US - the youngest team in the competition - were facing off against the four-time defending gold medalist Russians. But the Americans’ irrepressible optimism, skill, and fearless attitude helped them outplay the seasoned Soviet team and deliver their iconic win.

As captain, Mike Eruzione led his team on the ice on that Friday, February 22, 1980. But beating the USSR was only one of the numerous challenges Mike has faced in his life. In this inspiring memoir, he recounts the obstacles he has overcome, from his blue-collar upbringing in Winthrop, Massachusetts, to his battle to make the Boston University squad; his challenges in the minor leagues and international tournaments to his selection to the US team and their run for gold. He also talks about the aftermath of that stupendous win that inspired and united the nation at a time of crisis in its history.

Eruzione has lived a hockey life full of unexpected twists and surprising turns. Al Michaels’ famous call in 1980 - "do you believe in miracles? Yes!" - could have been about Mike himself. Filled with vivid portraits - from his hard-working, irrepressible father to the irascible Herb Brooks to the Russian hall of famers Tretiak, Kharlamov, Makarov, and Fetisov - this lively, fascinating look back is destined to become a sports classic and is a must for hockey fans, especially those who witnessed that miraculous day.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2020 Mike Eruzione and Neal Boudette (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers

Going Back in Time...Reflection

Great story about sports and people impacting your life forever. Mike tells a great story for his grandchildren to remember him by. As Mike pointed out, as we get older we reflect on what legacy we will leave behind and this is such a profound story. Playing sports myself, we never appreciate the people who instilled such great values and ventures, the people who sacrificed so we could be successful. I remember being a kid 14 years old and watching those Olympics and what your team did for this country. Mike is such a humble man and was such a great leader for Team USA. I wish today's children could play for coaches like Herb and learn to become great men, fathers and role models.

Could hardly stop listening.

I am not a sports fan and particularly not ice hockey but this story in so many ways captured my attention to the point of distraction. It was full of humility, honesty, at the same time it was gritty to the point of cringing. I imagine the only way to appreciate this review is to experience the story for yourself. I highly recommend it regardless of age, gender or love of sports.

Great Audible book

This book really holds your interest and made me laugh many times too. My family is so much like mikes. He sounds like a good guy and did a fantastic job telling his amazing story of the miracle. Read it!!

Yes. I Believe.

Yes. I Believe. And I am blessed to have witnessed the Miracle as well as having watched the US Team play the Soviets in Madison Square Garden prior to the Olympics. Later my son would play his heart out on the Herb Brooks sheet of ice and be named the best goalie of his tournament. He was able to pick his reward...and of anything he could get, he chose an Eruzione #21 USA Jersey.

great story about an amazing time and pacel

Amàzing story behind an event in USA history that transcends decades. Thanks to Mighty Mike for keeping the memory alive .

Great Book, way better than I expected.

I really enjoyed listening to this book. I was a little concerned because we all kind of know the story, and I saw some low reviews on the narrator, but I was blown away with the full story and I thought the narration was just fine. I grew up playing hockey and my three kids all play now (I coach them) and this was such a great book, especially in the heart of our hockey season. I hope to meet Mike some day, great book.

awesome

great book, interesting and fun to hear from the perspective of the team captain. totally awesome.

Incredible story behind the miracle!

I loved every minute of this book. Such a great perspective of the greatest sports story in history!!! ! I recommend this book to anyone who needs to be inspired. I felt like I could run through a brick wall after reading this. So very well done.

Fantastic book by a great leader

Thank you Mike for your insight and honesty in this book. For those wanting to learn more about the 1980 US hockey team and a humble, “salt of the earth” style leader, Mike’s book is a must read. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Great Listen!

This book brought me back in time & what a great trip it was! I know those guys just played a hockey game but it was so much more to millions of Americans. Just wanted to thank Michael for telling his story. You don’t even have to be a sports fan to love this story! I’m 55 years old and even before this book or any other celebration for the Lake Placid Gold came out she knew the story!! Thank you 1980 US Mens Hockey!