As efforts to bring the Winter Olympics back to Lake Placid intensify among North Country residents and state leaders, many are vividly recalling an iconic event from forty-six years ago, when the games were held in the Essex County village. Modern technology and the return of some famous figures recreated the magic of a historic February night, making the past feel present once more.
This winter, the event “Run Back the Miracle” celebrated the legendary “Miracle on Ice,” when the United States men’s national ice hockey team stunned the Soviet Union at the 1980 Winter Olympics before going on to defeat the Finland men’s national ice hockey team to clinch the gold medal. The 2026 tribute featured holograms of hockey players, stunning full-surface ice projections, and exclusive footage that transported attendees back to the unforgettable game at Herb Brooks Arena in Lake Placid.
To bring the epic moment back to life, Olympic gold medalists from the team, including goalie Jim Craig, captain Mike Eruzione, and center Mark Johnson, were in attendance. Legendary broadcaster Al Michaels also joined the event, while Dan Brooks, the son of coach Herb Brooks, narrated a powerful recreation of his father’s iconic locker room speech. Additionally, Sandy Caligiore, the WNBZ-AM radio host who called the famous game in 1980, provided additional play-by-play commentary.
Mountain Lake PBS volunteer Christian Gratto brings us the story.