“MIRACLE ON ICE” GOALIE VISITS KEARNEY
Jim Craig to drop ceremonial puck at Storm game
Thursday, October 20, 2011
- Immediate Release
KEARNEY, Neb. - Legendary goalie Jim Craig, who helped the U.S. hockey team win the gold medal in the 1980 Olympics, will attend the Tri-City Storm’s game on Friday against Indiana.
Craig will drop the ceremonial puck at the game, and fans will have a chance to meet him and get autographed photos at a special meet and greet hosted during the first intermission. Craig also will address Storm players during the team’s pregame preparations.
“Jim is truly an American sports hero, and we’re excited to have him visit Kearney and give Storm Hockey fans a chance to meet him,” said Storm President Greg Shea. “This is a wonderful opportunity for our fans to spend time with one of the legends in U.S. hockey.”
In the 1980 “Miracle On Ice” game, Craig stopped 36 of 39 shots as the U.S. beat the Soviets, 4-3, in what is considered one of the greatest upsets in sports history. Two days later, the U.S. defeated Finland and captured Olympic gold. The picture of Craig with the American flag on his shoulders looking for his father is one of the most iconic images of all time.
Following the Olympics, Craig played professionally in the National Hockey League, where he started for the Atlanta Flames, Boston Bruins and Minnesota North Stars.
Craig currently lives in the Boston area and is president of Gold Medal Strategies, a motivational speaking, marketing and sales training company. His new book “Gold Medal Strategies, Business Lessons from Americas Miracle Team” was released in April.
He is enshrined in the Boston University Athletic Hall of Fame, the International Ice Hockey Federation Hall of Fame, the United State Hockey Hall of Fame and the United States Olympic Hall of Fame.
Storm season ticket holders and sponsors are invited to an exclusive pregame meet and greet in the banquet room on the second floor of the Viaero Event Center starting at 6 p.m. Friday. Craig is the second player from the 1980 U.S. Olympic team to visit the Event Center, joining captain Mike Eruzione, who visited in 2004.
The game Friday against Indiana will air on The Breeze 94.5 FM, while Classic Hits 98.9 FM will air the game Saturday night from Sioux City.