Alby Oxenreiter remembers the ‘Miracle On Ice' 34 years later

PITTSBURGH — As the clock ticked to zero on the Unites States’ greatest sports victory, an ecstatic Al Michaels shouted, “Do you believe in miracles?”

In an instant, an entire country erupted into raucous celebration.

From east to west and north to south, patriotism was strong as all of America rallied around a group of college kids.

The United States basked in the glory of an unlikely and stunning upset over the mighty Soviets in a game now and forever known as the "Miracle On Ice."

Two days later, the young American hockey stars sealed our country's greatest Olympic medal by beating Finland for the gold.

Leading the way was Herb Brooks, who would later coach the Penguins, and Craig Patrick, the Penguins former General Manager, and the architect of the Penguins first two Stanley Cup champions, was an assistant coach on the '80 Olympic team.

The miracle from 34 years ago is proof that you never know what can and will happen at the Olympics.

Four years ago, on the 30th anniversary of that hockey gold medal, Patrick opened a cherry wood box and gently lifted his prized possession from Lake Placid.

He then surprised me by placing the medal around my neck.

I told him I didn't feel I was worthy of wearing his medal.

Patrick insisted.  He said every American hockey fan can claim a piece of their country's greatest gold.

WPXI