True Timeline of the "Miracle on Ice" Events

Although the movie captured a majority of what really happened in 1980, they left out some key details, and not everything fit history exactly. Below is a true timeline of how the 1980 USA Men's Ice Hockey Team reached gold in Lake Placid:


  1. April 1, 1979: Herb Brooks is named the head coach of the USA Men's National Hockey Team.
  2. August 1, 1979: Tryout Camp begins. Coach Brooks selected 20 players from various colleges.
  3. February 9, 1980: USA vs. Soviet Union Exhibition Game. Clearly stating their dominance, the Soviet team breezed through the Americans, beating them 10-3.
  4. February 12, 1980: Game 1- USA vs. Sweden. Both teams battle hard, Sweden leading 2-1 with 1 minute left in the 3rd period. Then, Bill Barke tied it with only 27 seconds left in the game. The game ended as a 2-2 tie.
  5. February 14, 1980: Game 2- USA vs. Czechoslovakia. The US crushed Czechoslovakia in a 7-3 victory.
  6. February 16, 1980: Game 3- USA vs. Norway. US beats Norway 5-1.
  7. February 18, 1980: Game 4- USA vs. Romania. US beats Romania by a score of 7-2.
  8. February 20, 1980: Game 5- USA vs. West Germany. US gets its 4th consecutive win and will play next in the medal round. They beat West Germany 4-2.
  9. February 22, 1980: Game 6- USA vs. Soviet Union "Miracle on Ice". This was by far the most exciting game. Politics, society, and athletics were all at stake in the game. In the end, the US beat the Soviet Union 4-3. Both teams were shocked by the outcome, the Soviets defeated physically and mentally.
  10. February 24, 1980: Game 7- USA vs. Finland for Gold Medal. The US played Finland in their final game, battling for the gold medal. Their hardwork and teamwork throughout the Olympics lead them to the gold, winning 4-2 over Finland.