Miracle

"In other news - a constitutional amendment

"which would allow 18-year-olds to vote

"cleared Congress and headed for the White House.

"President Nixon has indicated that he will soon sign the amendment."

This is not an invasion of Cambodia.

(RAPID RADIO CHATTER)

(PEOPLE CHANT)

"As an increasingly powerful Soviet military

"displayed its arsenal at the May Day parade,

"the State Department reaffirmed that the Cold War is as cold as ever."

"The Soviets take the ball in. He's got it. He's up. He scores!"

"The Soviets take the gold over the US!"

People have got to know whether or not their president is a crook.

I'm not a crook. ..I shall resign the presidency.

"The secret behind today's computers - the silicon chip."

"Experts predict this modern marvel might impact our daily lives."

"This is homecoming day for Apollo 17,

"the last round trip to the moon Americans may take in this century."

"Right now anyone can turn their ordinary TV into a video game!"

I, Gerald R Ford, do solemnly swear...

That I will faithfully execute...

We must whip inflation right now.

"What was being called peace with honour

"has disintegrated into utter chaos as the US evacuate."

-(DISCO MUSIC PLAYS)

-'Come on!'

"The streaking craze continues to take the nation by storm."

"College students across the country are shedding their clothes."

'Happy 200th birthday, America!'

'And many, many more!'

I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States.

-..President of the Unites States.

-Billy Beer hit the shelves.

The White House hasn't commented on the president's brother's business.

'As the president issued the order prohibiting the purchase Iranian oil,

Americans find themselves in long gas lines, dealing with an oil crisis.'

"..emergency regulations, reviewed his plan for gas rationing..."

"Funeral arrangements for Elvis Presley have not been announced."

"The entertainer died on Tuesday in Memphis from cardiac arrhythmia."

"..warning - northbound. Over."

"Mr Carter approved emergency financial aid

"for the Love Canal area of Niagara Falls, New York."

"That area is in a state of crisis because of a chemical leakage."

"Authorities say there's been a release

of radiation from the nuclear facility. Details are unclear."

It is a crisis of confidence. It is a crisis that strikes

at the heart, soul and spirit of our national will.

The symptoms of this crisis...

-'USA hockey.'

-(PHONE RINGS)

'Please hold. USA hockey.'

He is just stepping into a meeting.

When is the best time to reach you?

He's got your number? OK.

-Herb.

-Hey, Walter, how are we doing?

-Good to see ya.

-How was the flight?

-Not bad.

That's great. Everybody's waiting to see us.

-Who all's here?

-Just about anybody who's got a say in this thing.

Bob Fleming, International Council, USA Hockey, Lou Nanne from the NHL.

The only way we can compete with the Eastern Bloc teams is if we change.

-Change what?

-The way we train, the way we prepare, even our schedule.

What kind of schedule changes?

-Make it longer, more competitive.

-Longer? Are you gonna pay for that?

We also need to change the way we play the game.

What exactly does that mean?

We adopt a new style, a hybrid of the Soviet and Canadian schools.

A combination that requires the highest level of conditioning,

speed, creativity, and most of all, team chemistry.

-Do you use this at the University of Minnesota?

-We're phasing it in, yes.

-They've won three NCAA titles.

-We don't have years. We have months.

Can you take kids who've never played together

and teach them a whole new style?

-OK...

-What if they can't pick it up fast enough?

We all know we're a long shot for a medal

-but we don't want to be embarrassed.

-That's right.

-That's right.

Bob, four years ago our Olympic team lost to the Czech B-team.

It was 15-1. I don't think we can embarrass ourselves more than that.

Assuming they don't go pro. I don't know about you.

I'd have a hard time giving up money to finish 6th at Lake Placid.

-It's a tough draw.

-It's a tough draw even if we don't play the Soviets.

-What happens if we do?

-That's -

-We put our best with them last year,

-professional All-Stars. They won.

-Not because you weren't good enough.

All-Star teams fail because they rely solely on the individuals' talent.

The Soviets win because they take that talent and use it in a system

that's designed to benefit the team. I aim to beat them at their own game.

Beat the best in the world, gold medallists in '64, '68, '72 and '76?

Pretty lofty goal.

That's why I want to pursue it.

-Fellas, any more questions?

-I'm good.

-Thanks.

-Good to see you again.

-Herb, thanks.

-Thanks a lot.

-I appreciate it.

-Hey!

-It's coming down out there.

-Hey, where are the kids?

-I gave them away.

How did it go?

I'm not their guy.

They only had me come out there cos two other coaches already said no.

I think they're still looking East Coast.

-What's that?

-It's a costume party, Herb.

-No.

-Nick and Nora Charles, the Thin Man!

-You're gonna make me wear that.

They're sophisticated and dashing and debonair!

I've got a moustache for you and a little dog for me. (BARKS)

Excuse me.

-(PHONE RINGS)

-Linda, can you get that for me?

-Oh, sure.

Hello.

He is. Just a moment. Patty, it's for Herb. Someone from the USOC.

-Blues, 8-0!

-It's gonna be a dramatic comeback.

Go.

-Herb.

-Yeah?

Herb, you've got a call from Colorado.

We're not done here.

So, then he just went along with that?

Well, I appreciate that, Walter. Thank you.

-What did they say?

-I got the job.

-(LAUGHS)

-I got the job. How about that, huh?

-Oh, great! When do you start?

-Two weeks.

-Two weeks, you start that soon?

-The games are in February so...

-Yeah, but it's June. Is there even ice?

-Mommy!

-We're supposed to take the kids to the Black Hills.

-I know.

-Cleopatra's leaving and she wants to say goodbye to you.

-OK, OK.

I've got to call Craig Patrick right now.

-How are you doing?

-Good.

-Phil Verchota.

-Name.

-Ralph Cox, UNH.

-Name, please.

-Mike Ramsey.

-Jack O'Callahan, right?

-Last time I checked.

-Good luck.

-Thanks.

-Who's next?

-Jimmy Craig!

-Hey, Jack.

-What's up?

-How's it going?

-Good.

-Any reason why Mullen's not here?

About 30,000 of them, all sitting in his New York back account.

-He got a 30,000 signing bonus?

-Crazy, isn't it?

-Yeah.

How's it looking?

A lot of guys from Minnesota and Boston.

Yeah, that's gonna work(!)

Robin McClanahan?

Yeah.

Mike Eruzione, Boston University.

-'76.

-'76!

Playing for Brooks a little more, huh?

I played for him for four years. A few more months wouldn't hurt.

What about you?

Just trying to play a little more hockey, that's all.

-Rest of your boys all here?

-Of course. Think they'd miss this?

You might want to wait a day or so before you go over and say hi.

Man, look at that move.

Eruzione.

Cross him off the list. He doesn't have a shot of making this team.

-Think so?

-No way.

Doc cleared him, says it's just a sprain.

I wanna let you know how much I'm looking forward to working with you.

You were a helluva player. You're gonna make a helluva coach.

-Thanks.

-I need you to stick tight with these kids.

Any big problems, let me know, otherwise you take care of it.

OK.

Take a look at that.

-What's this?

-26 names.

The tough part is getting it down to 20 before the opening ceremony.

This is the final roster?

You're kidding me, right?

This is our first day, Herb. We've got a week of this.

What about the advisory staff? Aren't they supposed to have a say?

Technically, I guess.

You're missing some of the best players.

I'm not looking for the best players,

I'm looking for the right ones.

You have Jim Craig to back up Janaszak?

-Other way around.

-Other way around?!

Janaszak just won you a national championship.

Janny's solid but we're not playing a national championship here, Craig.

People I speak to say Craig's game has been off since his mom died.

Did they ever see him when his game was on?

Hughes, Ross...

..Auge, Delich...

..Horsch...

..Strobel, Christoff...

..Morrow...

..Suter...

..Ramsey...

..Janaszak, Christian...

..Pavelich, Verchota...

..Baker, Harrington...

..Schneider, O'Callahan...

..McClanahan, Silk...

..Johnson, Craig...

..Cox, Eruzione.

That's the roster for now. The rest of you, thanks for coming out.

Way to go, Rizzo!

Take a good look, gentlemen...

..cos they're the ones getting off easy.

We're putting a few of you on reserve,

in case somebody gets injured or their game goes to hell.

The final roster will have 20 names on it so more of you are going home.

If you give 99 percent, you'll make my job very, very easy.

I'll be your coach. I won't be your friend.

If you need one of those, take it up with Doc or Coach Patrick.

Alright, gentlemen. Congratulations to all of you.

That's it for today. On the way out, pick up one of these.

You've got a little homework to do before you celebrate.

Thank you.

Herb!

Herb, hold on a minute.

Hey, Walter, how are we doing?

-I think we've got a problem, Herb.

-What's that?

People want to have a say in this process and you've picked the team.

-Look, Walter -

-No, no. There's a right way to do this kind of thing

-and this is not it!

-You've got a job to do.

-If I was in your shoes, I'd probably be saying the same thing.

-Alright.

Let's go upstairs and piece together a hockey team,

-all of us, together.

-Walter, that's not gonna happen.

Do you realise what the AHA went through to put this thing together?

The best amateur players on the ice for a week, not just a day.

I didn't ask for that because I know my team.

How? Those kids have been on the ice for, what, a couple of hours?

Each one was chosen for a specific reason.

I've studied film on each boy.

I've watched them. I've coached them!

And the ones I haven't, I've spoken with their coaches.

I know best what I need to compete and the team I've chosen is it.

What am I supposed to say to the committee?

-Tell them the truth.

-This puts me in a helluva spot, Herb.

-A helluva spot!

-You hired me to a job. I'm trying to do it.

Alright, I'm going to back you on this

but I hope you know what you're doing.

(GIRLS GIGGLE)

(PEOPLE CHATTER)

-Billy, what are you on?

-My test is done.

-We're done. Are you done?

-Yeah!

"You get stopped by a policeman but you're not at fault."

"Do you state your disagreement right away?"

-He's got 300 of these things.

-It's a test, Silky. You've taken one before.

-Not to play hockey, I haven't.

-Can you even read, Silky?

-I try.

-(LAUGHS)

-Hey, Rizzo.

-What's going on?

-Mac.

-Easy.

-I don't know how you can sit in the same room with that clown.

-Let it go. It's over.

-What's going on here?

OC's got a little unfinished business.

-Not for long.

-What did I tell you?

McClanahan? You're not still going on about the '76 play-offs, are you?

Come on, that was, like, three years ago!

Let me ask you a question. Why do you want to play college hockey?

-Isn't it obvious? For the girls.

-I'm serious, Coxy!

-Why do you want to play college hockey?

-Cos I love to play hockey.

I want to go to the NHL. Everybody does.

I wanted to win a national championship. He cheap-shots me.

I get tossed out of the game. He steals the ring right off my finger.

How would you feel?

-Everyone was throwing cheap shots that night.

-It's funny you say that.

I was wondering what side you're on.

-I'm on your side.

-It really seems that way(!)

-Relax, OK? Jeez!

-(MUTTERS) I'm out of here.

Where are you going?

To my room. Is that alright with you, Mother?

Just let him go.

No wonder that guy gets so many penalties.

He gets a little carried away.

-'That's it. Pick it up. That's it.'

-'Keep it up!'

-Look for the pass. Hit it with the pass.

-Outside!

-Let's go, Johnson!

-Alright, hit him on the other side.

-Toss for it!

Move and hit him, Johnson. He's open!

-Centre! Centre!

-Come on, Johnson!

Johnson!

-Coast-to-coast won't work against the teams we'll be playing.

-OK.

Next line-up. Let's go. Let's run it again.

Morrow, let me take this one.

-Don't let 'em in. Keep your head up.

-This is a break-out play, gentlemen.

So, please, let's get rid of the puck early. Alright, let's go!

-What the hell are you doing?

-What did you hit him like that for?

-That's it, OC.

-Tell your boy to keep his head up. He won't have to worry.

-Alright?

-Let's go!

Craig, let them go.

Stay out of it.

-Forget him, OC. What are you doing?

-Stay out of it.

Give it to him.

Go on, Mac.

Well, how about it, boys? Look like hockey to you?

Looks more like a couple of monkeys trying to hump a football to me.

Yeah.

If you want to settle old scores, you're on the wrong team.

We move forward starting right now.

We start becoming a team right now!

Skating,

passing,

flow,

creativity,

that is what this team is all about, gentlemen, not old rivalries.

Let's start with some introductions, get to know each other.

Where you're from. Who you are. Go ahead.

Rob McClanahan. St Paul, Minnesota.

-Who do you play for?

-For you here at the U.

Jack.

Jack O'Callahan.

Charlestown, Mass. Boston University.

Over here.

Er, I'm Ralph Cox.

I'm from wherever is not gonna get me hit.

(ALL LAUGH)

Very good. Everybody on a line. Let's go.

(KNOCKING)

-Hey, Jim.

-Hey, coach.

-I was wondering why you wouldn't take this test.

Yeah, well...

It's nothing against you or anything.

I just didn't see what it has to do with stopping a puck.

That's alright. You took it anyway.

Hey, coach.

-So, if I took it...?

-I meant to ask. How's your family doing?

They're doing alright.

And you?

OK.

I've got 26 guys trying to make this team, Jim.

Only 20 are going to Lake Placid.

I've got to know how committed you are.

Because if you're not, you're just wasting our time.

Look, coach,

my dad's going through a rough time right now.

He's got nothing.

He lost his job and with Atlanta trying to sign me...

Bottom line is my mom wanted this.

Me playing on this team.

Hard to say no to someone who drove you to practice every day. Right?

You didn't answer my question, Jim.

I'm here, aren't I?

I'll see you in the morning. Don't forget to bring your game.

(HORNS HONK)

(RADIO) "The Soviets performed a nuclear test,

"setting off a 75 kiloton bomb in Kazakhstan."

-Ah! So much hate and fear.

-What's that?

The Soviets and the West. Nuclear weapons pointing at each other.

Oh, they'll figure something out, Doc. They've got no other choice.

I hope so but it seems to me that some people will never get along.

-Yeah?

-"That's the news. Now more music."

Like hockey players from Boston and Minnesota.

Our own private Cold War!

(BOTH LAUGH)

-Hey, Doc, let me ask you a question.

-Of course.

-You've worked with Herb for a long time, right?

-For quite some time.

Does he always treat his players like this?

No. No, no, this I have never seen.

But, Craig, believe me, Herb has a reason for everything he does.

Well, he's ended up with 20 players who hate his guts.

Maybe if they hate him, they won't have time to hate each other.

Hey, honey.

-How much longer are you gonna be?

-I've still got a few more.

-Well, I'm going to bed, OK?

-OK.

Oh, you know, Kelly has ballet at 4:00 tomorrow

and Danny's done at the same time. Which one do you want to get?

-Herb?

-Yeah?

-Can you pick up Danny at 4:00?

-We've got team meetings after practice.

-I can't be in two places at once.

-What about Margie?

-They're on vacation.

-You'll figure it out.

Can you turn that off, please?

Please.

Over the summer the kids are off doing a zillion different things.

-Sometimes your meetings have to wait.

-Come on!

I'm coaching a hockey team here. We already talked about this.

Really? When exactly did we have this talk?

I don't recall being a part of the conversation.

What did I say? Was it interesting?

We never had this talk.

Never.

-OK, what's on your mind?

-Nothing.

You're obviously mad about something.

You're upset because we didn't talk. When I try to talk

about whatever it is, you don't want to. So, Patty -

Herb, it's not because we didn't talk.

It's because you never even asked.

-I know what this is about. I know it and you know it.

-What? Know what?

This, what you're doing - chasing after something you didn't get,

that you may never get!

What if it doesn't work out, Herb?

Are we gonna do this every four years?

It's OK. Go finish your work. Go, go.

Hey.

Hey.

You know...

..ever since I stopped playing...

..I wanted to coach this team.

This is the only way I know how to do it.

It's not the easiest way, I know, for you or the kids.

Patty, I have to do this.

I know you do.

I'm sorry we didn't talk.

And I was wrong not to ask.

So I'm asking now if you, you know, if you can be with me on this?

Because it won't mean anything if you're not.

Blue line, back. Red line, back. Far blue line, back. Far red line, back.

You have 45 seconds to do it.

Get used to this drill. We'll be doing it a lot.

Why?

Because the legs feed the wolf, gentlemen.

I can't promise you we'll be the best team at Lake Placid next February.

But we will be the best conditioned team. That I can promise you.

Be prepared to grow through pain, gentlemen.

You're gonna skate harder than you ever have

every minute you're on the ice with me.

Stretch things out north and south, you open things up east and west.

This far-side winger takes the centre spot.

-What's your name?

-Mark Johnson.

-From?

-Madison, Wisconsin.

-Who do you play for?

-University of Wisconsin.

Go, boys! Go, boys!

The fastest way to make history is by being fast!

No. No. (WHISTLE BLOWS)

Stop! Look at you - three men being covered by one guy.

This isn't weaving for weaving's sake.

'Spread out! Use the ice!'

Come on, Jimmy, challenge him.

On the side here, Jimmy. Challenge!

-(WHISTLE BLOWS)

-'I don't blame you.'

-How are you holding up?

-Oh, no, not good. Not good.

-You?

-My name's Christian.

-Who do you play for?

-University of North Dakota.

No! No, no, no!

You're quarterback in this play!

I've got you running this play. All you're gonna run is the bench.

Boom. He can hit him. Boom, boom, boom. We're opening up options.

We've got four options off one play, guys.

Got that? Any questions?

OK, let's go.

-What the hell is he talking about?

-No clue.

20 of you are going to Lake Placid. Six are going home.

Who that is, is up to you.

-You?

-Mark Pavelich.

-Who do you play for?

-UMD Bulldogs.

-That was fast! Good shot.

-That was a good shot.

Er, you three, run that again.

-Again?

-Let's go.

We've got a chance in hell of winning.

-I understand how you feel. Let them know that.

-Yeah.

-Alright.

-Thanks.

-So, the Coneheads are coming in?

-Who?

That's what the guys are calling them cos they're... (WHISTLES)

-You know, like the Coneheads.

-What's that?

Dan Aykroyd, Jane Curtin...

-I guess it's off your radar.

-(KNOCK AT DOOR)

-Come on in, boys.

-You wanted to see us, coach.

Yeah, I'm thinking about keeping you three together on the same line.

Everybody OK with that?

-Yeah.

-Sure.

-How about you, Buzz? Do you think this works?

Yeah, we're moving the puck well. It's different playing with them.

Yeah, we always seem to find each other and make things happen.

-Yeah - pass, shoot, score.

-Pass, shoot...

-And score.

Well, alright, I'll see how she goes.

-Alright.

-Thanks, coach.

-Thanks.

-Take it easy.

Rest up.

Well, it looks like we're taking a line of Coneheads to Europe.

Yeah, if they can keep their legs under them.

Alright, Herb, I'll see you next week.

Something on your mind, Craig, or is that just too far off my radar?

You know, I just don't think you can push them this hard for six months.

-It's too long.

-They're doing alright.

-The whole team's tired.

I know how hard to push them, Craig.

-Are you sure about that?

-Know why I had them take that test?

To make sure I could push them this hard. I'll see you Monday.

Alright.

Wow! Dynamite! Look over here. Sexy two about four rows up.

-Two girls - blonde.

-Man, they're gorgeous!

-Twins about the seventh row up.

-Seventh row up.

-Lovely blonde girls.

-Maybe we can take a few home.

-Must be something in the water.

(KLAXON HONKS / CROWD CHEERS)

Get a whistle.

(TANNOY ANNOUNCEMENT IN NORWEGIAN)

Good game. Good game.

Hold up.

You've got to get back on the ice.

-What for?

-You'll find out soon enough.

-What for?

-We'll find out in a minute. Let's go see what he wants.

(CHATTER)

You guys don't want to work during the game? No problem, we'll work now.

Goal line. That one.

(BLOWS WHISTLE)

Faster!

Think you can win on talent alone?

Gentlemen, you don't have enough talent to win on talent alone.

Again. (BLOWS WHISTLE)

If you think you can come and play the Norwegian national team and tie

and then go to the Olympics and win,

you've got another thing coming. (BLOWS WHISTLE)

You'd better think about something else, each and every one of you.

When you pull on that jersey, you represent yourself and your team.

The name on the front is a lot more important than the one on the back.

Get that through your head! Again!

(BLOWS WHISTLE)

Win, lose or tie, you're gonna play like champions. Again.

(BLOWS WHISTLE)

Kick it in the ass, Verchota! Wanna go home early?

Keep going, Suter, all the way to the line and all the way back.

It's not that difficult. Again!

(BLOWS WHISTLE)

Again. (BLOWS WHISTLE)

Again.

-(BLOWS WHISTLE)

-Herb.

What?

The rink manager, he wants to clean the ice and go home.

Tell him to leave the keys. I'll lock up. Again.

Again! (BLOWS WHISTLE)

If you keep playing this way, you won't beat anybody who's good,

let alone great. If you want to make this team,

start playing at a level that's going to force me to keep you here!

Again!

Do you think we're getting out of here?

Hey, where are you going?

Back on the line.

Again. Send them.

(BLOWS WHISTLE)

Again. (BLOWS WHISTLE)

Again. (BLOWS WHISTLE)

Bill, are you gonna be the first to quit?

How about you, OC? Are you ready to go down?

My money is on you, Verchota. Of course you've got a hot date.

You're not looking too good for that.

Send them.

Again. (BLOWS WHISTLE)

Doc, this is madness, right?

(RETCHES)

This cannot be a team of common men

because common men go nowhere.

You have to be uncommon.

Again.

-Herb, this has gone on long enough.

-Everybody on that line.

-Somebody's going to get hurt.

-(HOCKEY PLAYERS COUGH / WHEEZE)

Everybody get on that line.

Hey!

Again.

Again.

-Herb.

-Come on, Craig, blow the whistle.

Again.

Mike Eruzione!

Winthrop, Massachusetts.

Who do you play for?

I play for the United States Of America!

That's all, gentlemen.

Come on, you Minnesotans! My back hurts from carrying you all.

Pretend you're pushing tyres. Stop talking about it. Start pushing.

-What have you got?

-Three nines.

-Not bad.

-I've got two sevens.

-We were taxiing out to the runway

and we...we kinda hit a moose.

The moose is fine but we've got to make sure the aeroplane is alright.

The boys are pushing it back so these guys can take a look at it.

Patty, the moose is OK. It ran off.

So, what's going on at home?

"(TV) ..at New York with the NHL All-Stars and the Soviet Union."

"This one, ladies and gentlemen, was no contest."

"The Soviets dominated the NHL's best from start to finish,

"winning by a score of six to nothing."

"The Soviets, led by the superb play of captain, Boris Mikhailov,

were superior to the NHL stars in every way."

"Their passing was crisper, offence relentless and conditioning superb."

No, no, I'm here. I'm listening.

"..to a 6-0 win. An embarrassing evening for the NHL All-Stars."

Russian style of play, boys.

Fluid, creative.

The forwards are constantly circling.

They don't so much look for the man, as they do a patch of ice.

You get the miss-match, two on one, easy goal.

-A lot like me out there, huh, boys?

-(LAUGH)

Boris Mikhailov.

Captain for the last six years. He's the best player in his position.

That includes the NHL.

-Do they ever smile?

-They're Russian. They get shot if they smile.

(LAUGH)

-Vladislav Tretiak.

-Wow!

If you score on Tretiak, keep the puck.

It doesn't happen often.

42 games in the last three months. 42 wins.

Their main weapon is intimidation.

They know they're gonna win and so do their opponents.

Look...

..I can give you all a load of crap about how you're a better team

but that's exactly what it'd be.

Everyone knows what people are saying about our chances.

I know it. You know it.

But I also know

there is a way to stay with this team.

You don't defend them. You attack them.

You take their game and you shove it right back in their face!

The team that is willing to do this

is the team that has a chance to put them down.

NHL won't change their game. We will.

The rest of the world is afraid of them.

Boys, we won't be.

No-one has ever worked hard enough

to skate with the Soviet team for an entire game.

Gentlemen, we are gonna work hard enough.

(WHISTLE BLOWS) Come on, quick feet boys. Quick feet.

Push it! Work hard now, boys.

Pick up your knees. Keep your shoulders square.

Push it! Come on, boys, go!

The legs speed the wolf, boys. The legs speed the wolf.

Jimmy, stay with him. Jimmy!

Damn it!

-How's your legs?

-I'll let you know when I can feel them.

Come on, boys.

(WHISTLE BLOWS) Better. Not good but better.

Intensity, boys.

Here you go.

That's it, work it boys. Push it. Quick feet.

(BLOWS WHISTLE) Keep the pace, boys. Passes come from the arms.

I want to stretch things out, north and south.

-Take me through it.

-I'm gonna stretch the D out.

-It'll open up space.

-I'm gonna fill it.

-I'm gonna fill in for Pavelich.

That's it, Jimmy! Don't let them have you, Jimmy! Yeah!

(WHISTLE BLOWS) Come on, build your legs up, boys.

You won't have anything left in the third period. Build your legs.

-What does it give us, boys?

-(ALL) Options.

-Let's run it.

-Let's go, Craig.

-What's going on?

-We're playing the Soviets three days before Lake Placid.

-How about that?

How about that?

How about that?

That won't work.

Oh, Rizzo, you're killing me. Why can't you find the net?

You've been staring at the same piece of paper since dinner.

-I can't cut this kid. He's done everything I've asked.

-So keep him.

I didn't think it was gonna be this hard.

-(TV) "This is NBC Nightly News...

-Yeah, you did.

"..with Jessica Savage and Nick Champs."

This isn't gonna work. I'll have to stick Christian on defence.

-"..is in the hands of Muslim students tonight."

-But that works.

"Spurred on by an anti-American speech,

"they stormed the embassy, fought the marine guard, overpowered them

"and took dozens of American hostages."

-Oh, my God!

-That will work.

"We have two reports beginning with..."

Herb, turn around and look at this.

"..used tear gas to try to disperse the mob but that wasn't enough."

"Hundreds of Iranians overran the embassy compound

"seizing about 90 people, mostly Americans."

-Oh, my God!

-"The hostages were herded into the embassy basement."

Terrible.

(CHATTER)

-Yeah.

-Mark Johnson, McClanahan. It's starting to come together.

-Thanks for coming out.

-I wouldn't have missed it. Hey, you beat Haven.

Well, I should probably get going.

Yeah.

I love you, Pop.

You, too, son.

-Jimmy.

-Yeah.

-You keep that glove up.

-Got it.

-Switch.

-Rizzo's making dinner. There's gonna be some meatballs!

-If you boys keep eating them, I'll keep making them.

-You're insane!

-No offence, Rizzo.

-(ALL LAUGH)

-I wonder how it's gonna affect the chemistry of the boys.

-We'll see.

Timmy!

-Who the hell is that?

-What's he doing here?

-How are you doing, Tim? Good to see you.

-Thanks, coach.

-Hey, Bob.

-Yeah?

-Who's that guy?

Timmy Hotter, plays for the Gophers. Having a big year.

-What the hell's he doing here?

-No idea.

-Why's he here?

-Did you guys know he was coming?

Listen, why don't you warm up and jump on Johnson's line today.

-See you, boys.

-See you.

-This is ridiculous!

-Don't worry about it. It'll be alright.

-Right, OC?

-Herb's not gonna do a damn thing, boys.

-He's just messing with our minds.

-Oh, you think so, Jack?

Yeah, I do.

We all know Herb made the Olympic team in '60.

So?

So a week before the games, Coach Riley sends him home.

-What's your point?

-My point, Jack,

is one week later Herb's watching his team win the gold medal.

Come that close and get nothing,

he'll do whatever it takes.

That's my point.

Yeah, I'm aware of that, Walter.

Yeah. Yeah, well you talk to everybody else, then. Alright.

There's nothing else we can do. Thanks.

Is everything OK?

Walter says that there's talk

that Carter may boycott the Moscow games next summer.

So, if we don't go there, they might not come here. Right?

Right.

Don't do this to yourself, Herb.

-There are things you can control and things you can't.

-No milk.

-Herb.

-Yeah, I heard you, honey.

You'll still have everything you won here at Minnesota.

Don't tell me what I'll have, Patty. You don't know enough to tell me.

I understand you being upset with me when I say you work too hard

teaching a simple game but don't criticise me for caring about you.

.

That's it. Come on, boys. Watch it. Go now! Move!

-Damn it!

-Come on, Rizzo!

-I know, coach. I know.

-You know?

If you knew, then, why did you do it again?

Start putting the puck in the net or you're not going anywhere.

Don't think I won't do it. Johnson, line up, let's go. (WHISTLE BLOWS)

Come on!

-Stick to the lines.

-Play it centre, centre, centre!

Move it up! Dropping back. Go to the net, Timmy! Go to the net!

-Whoo! Yeah!

-Yeah!

Nice play, boys.

-(TANNOY) "Goal scored by number 18, Jim Harrer."

-Change them up, boys.

Timmy! Play into the net. That's all I care about.

Herb, some of the boys want to have a word.

-What about?

-Take it out here, man.

This had better take about two minutes.

This is crazy, Herb, bringing him in this late.

We've got parents buying tickets.

-What are we supposed to tell them?

-One of us is going home as it is.

-I don't have to ask where you stand, Rizzo?

-This wasn't Rizzo's idea.

Want me to say I'm scared of getting cut?

-I'm scared of getting cut. Everybody is.

-We just want it to be fair.

-He was in Colorado.

-That was six months ago.

-You don't think he's been playing?

-Not with us.

-So?

-So there's a difference.

-Like hell there is! That kid can play.

-And we can't?

-He moves the puck. Great vision.

That's not the point!

Something else he's got is the attitude I want on and off the ice.

Explain why I shouldn't be giving him a helluva look!

Because we're a family.

-What?

-We're a family.

A family?

Yeah.

Yeah.

And this is the family you want to go to Lake Placid with?

-Definitely.

-Without a doubt.

-Wouldn't have it any other way.

Timmy Harrer can help us, boys, and I'm going to send him home.

We've got one more to get down to 20. Understand?

Yeah.

-Looks like you've got a team.

-Almost.

(MUSIC PLAYS / PEOPLE CHATTER)

I think your girl left these at my place with some milk and cookies.

(ALL LAUGH / CHEER)

-Give her a hug from me.

-You guys are unbelievable.

Hey, boys. Hey, boys.

We've still got two more presents to open.

(ALL CHATTER)

-Pardon me, coach.

-Yeah?

Coach Patrick, from the boys.

I thought you forgot.

"To Craig."

-That's beautiful, boys.

-(ALL LAUGH)

-(CHUCKLES) You're gonna like this.

-What?

-That's very good. Very good.

-(BLOWS WHISTLE)

-Perfect!

-Again!

-(BLOWS WHISTLE)

-(ALL) Again!

-(BLOWS WHISTLE)

-(ALL) Again!

That's enough of that. It's going back in the box.

And, Herb, merry Christmas from the boys.

Drum roll, please.

-Ah, yes! A gift that keeps on giving.

-(ALL) No!

Speech! Speech!

-(ALL) Speech!

-Speech.

This may come as a shock to some of you

but I'm no good at giving sentimental speeches.

-You're kidding!

-Come on.

And I don't think I should start tonight so...

(CHUCKLES) Hey, thanks for having me over.

-Good night, Herb.

-Merry Christmas.

-Merry Christmas.

You guys have a great holiday.

(ALL SAY GOODBYE)

(ALL CHATTER)

(RADIO) "It's the most important speech of President Carter's term."

"Here's a look-back as our year-end special continues."

"The erosion of our confidence in the future

is threatening to destroy the social

and the political fabric of America."

"The confidence that we've always had

"as a people is not simply some romantic dream

"or a proverb in a dusty book

"that we read just on the Fourth of July.

"It is the ideal which founded our nation

"and guided our development as a people.

"Confidence in the future has supported everything else.

"We've always believed in something called progress.

"We've always had a faith that the days of our children

"would be better than our own.

"Our people are losing that faith.

"For the first time in the history of our country,

"a majority of our people believe that the next five years...

"..will be worse than the past five years.

"We were taught that our armies were always invincible

"and our causes were always just...

"..only to suffer the agony of Vietnam."

"We respected the presidency

"as a place of honour

"until the shock of Watergate.

"We've got to stop crying and start sweating...

"..stop talking and start walking.

"Working together with our common faith...

"..we cannot fail."

-(CHATTER)

-Do you guys wanna go grab something to eat?

-Yeah, I'm starving!

-Where are we gonna go?

-What about Mario's?

-Mario's?

We can go right now.

Hey, Coach.

Coxy. Herb wants to see you.

(KNOCK AT DOOR)

Come in.

Coach Patrick says you wanted to see me?

Why don't you have a seat there, Ralph?

Well, there's just no easy way of doing this.

The rules say that we gotta be down to 20 men.

And right now we're at 21.

I wish like hell I could keep you, Ralph.

-I do.

-Yeah.

Yeah, I know.

You're a helluva hockey player.

And this doesn't change that.

Thanks.

Well, er...

Thanks for giving me a shot, Coach.

Thanks for giving me your very best.

(RIPPING OF PAPER)

(PHONE RINGS)

-Yeah.

-"Herb? Walter."

"Well, you've got your wish."

Brezhnev's told Carter to screw himself.

How's that?

"The Kremlin just released a statement today."

They're gonna prove how good they are

by beating us over here on our own ice.

"They're all gonna play. The Soviets, the Czechs,

the whole bunch of them. You got your roster finalised yet?"

Yeah, I've got my team.

"I still don't know why you scheduled this, Herb."

"But get your guys to New York. They've got a game to play."

# Oh, say

# Does that star-spangled

# Banner yet wave...

# O'er the land

# Of the free

# And the home

# Of the...

# Brave? #

"Ladies and gentlemen,

"your 1980 US Olympic team!"

And so, as we await the opening face-off in this game between

the Soviet Union and Team USA,

at Madison Square Garden. The teams lined up on their blue lines.

The Soviet Union team captain, Boris Mikhailov, skating over to his bench

to pick up that NHL Challenge trophy,

which his team won here last October

and won in decisive fashion, beating the NHL All-Stars.

(CROWD BOOS / CHEERS)

A bit of a mixed reaction from the capacity audience here.

Some cheers but a few boos going through the crowd, as well.

And now the two teams clear the ice and repair to their respective goals

as we get set for the opening face-off

in this final team-up for these two teams

before the Olympic Games in Lake Placid.

(SPEAKS RUSSIAN)

(CROWD CHEERS)

-One, two, three...

-(ALL) USA!

(ALL CHEER)

And as we get set to drop the puck for this contest,

the Soviets, starting their big line

of Mikhailov between Kharlamov and Petrov.

Team USA countering with Mark Johnson

at centre between McClanahan and Dave Silk.

And we're ready to go with this warm-up contest.

Go hard, boys!

It's the Soviet Union in control,

making a charge for the Team USA's goal.

A shot from the point goes off the post in behind the Team USA net.

Puck comes back to the blue line.

Moving in with a shot stopped by Craig.

It goes into the corner and finally Team USA get some stick on the puck.

(CROWD GROANS)

And absolutely flattened there by Kasatonov.

Two-on-one!

-Team Soviet Union's running the two-on-one!

-Look out!

Get the puck, Jack!

Moving in, shoots then scores.

(KLAXON HONKS) Come on! Come on!

-(SPEAKS RUSSIAN)

-Hey, hey, break it up!

That's it. Let's go.

That's a nice expression on your face, you dummy.

Back.

Get back.

Jack, you've gotta listen to me!

You've got to listen to me!

The Soviets breaking out of their own zone now.

Goes in over the US blue line. Shoots and scores.

He shoots, he scores. He shoots, he scores.

-The Soviet Union rubbing Team USA 10-3.

-(KLAXON HONKS)

There's always things you can work on. This club's no exception to that.

I think we're gonna be alright.

They've been playing together for years.

Our kids are getting to know each other.

-They could have won 30-0.

-Coach Brooks! Can we get a comment?

-What about the game?

-How is he?

-I'm not sure if he'll need surgery.

-I'm hoping it's a ligament pull.

-We've got three days till Sweden.

You give them a roster spot, it's a waste of time.

-Best case, Doc.

-He'll miss three of four games minimum.

-The qualifying round.

-The kid's made the team.

He's busted his ass for seven months and now I've gotta send him home.

-What did Doc say?

-He doesn't know yet.

He's gonna go with you to hospital and get a picture of your knee taken.

And...

And then we'll see.

(SIGHS)

-I'm thinking about sitting you down, Jim.

-What?

-What are you talking about?

-It's not your fault. You're too tired.

It's time I gave Janny a look. He's been waiting for seven months.

-You're kidding me? Now?!

-Of course I mean now.

-That's my net, man.

-They scored ten goals.

Right now it's everybody's net.

Wait! I've given you everything I've got!

-You're pulling the plug on me?

-Have you

given me your very best? Cos I know there's a lot more in you.

A whole other level that for some reason you don't want to go to.

You don't understand what I'm talking about.

No, I'll tell you what I don't understand. I don't understand you.

Nobody on this team understands you and your ridiculous sayings,

your drills, those stupid psychology tests you had everybody take.

Everybody?

What, so that's what this is about?

Because I didn't take your test?

You want me to take your test? I'll take it. Is that what you want?

No. I want to see that kid in the net who wouldn't take the test.

You've gotta be kidding me. What did he do?

"He did something amazing, Herb!"

"He... He started to laugh!"

"And then everybody in the whole audience started to laugh."

"It sounds funny but I was so proud of him!"

I was starting to think that our son takes after you!

Well, that's all part of my plan.

Well, you're a very smart woman.

(CHUCKLES) I miss you.

The games are a couple of days away.

-"Have you got airplane tickets?"

-Oh, yeah. Walter had them sent over.

-Yeah.

-I guess I'll see ya then.

-"You sound tired. You should try and get some sleep."

-Yeah, I will.

-"Alright. I'll talk to you -

-Hey, Patty?

-"Yeah?"

I miss you, too.

"Good night."

Good night.

-OK, I'll check on OC. Take care of these guys here.

-Stick with me.

This is your room key and this is your ID badge.

Which you'll need for just about everything. Don't lose it.

Herb! Herb!

Herb, it'll be fine.

I can fight through it.

OK. Why don't you join the boys over there.

It's good to see you, kid.

Attaboy.

-Well?

-Good news is it's a stretched ligament. He won't need surgery.

-There is no way he can play before the middle round.

-Forget about that.

You keep O'Callahan, you lose one more skater,

you'll have a tough time putting a decent hockey team on the ice.

It's that simple.

-I'm gonna ask Herb, if he doesn't keep me...

-Oh, boy!

So, if he gets shaky it's you.

-I will, Coach.

-Alright.

-You're in there tomorrow, Jimmy.

-Let's bring it up now.

-OK. Thanks a lot, Herb.

Attaboy, Jimmy! Go get 'em.

-I'll see you on the bus.

-Alright.

Doc said no, right?

He said you might be able to go on in a week. Maybe two.

-What if it's two?

-That puts me in a tight spot, doesn't it?

I've got 20 guys all looking at me to do what's best for this team.

-I understand, Coach.

-Which is why I'm hanging on to ya.

I swear to God, Herb, if you're not being serious now...

Only if you promise you won't ask me to play until I tell ya.

-I won't! I mean I will! I promise you, Coach.

-If you do,

I'll stick your ass on an airplane and send you back to Boston.

Alright, Doc's waiting for you.

Thank you, Herb!

Whooooh!

OC is playin', baby!

(LAUGHS)

-On your feet, boys! Move your feet!

-(COMMENTATOR) "Ramsey to Eruzione."

"Eruzione carrying the puck up, drops a pass for Broten."

"He shoots! Kicked away."

Boys, hit that! Come on!

"Al Michael's with Ken and with 4:10 to go in the first period,

Sweden's leading the US 1-0."

"Norberg to Eriksson."

"And a big hit there. Eriksson picks up the loose puck."

-"Passes to Lundqvist. Lundqvist to Ahlberg."

-Where is it?

-Up. This way.

-OK.

-Yeah, yeah! There!

"Ahlberg shoots. Saved by Craig."

"Eruzione fighting for it."

"Mike Eruzione recently named team captain by Coach Herb Brooks

"for as Herb put it, his leadership qualities on and off the ice."

I'm taking him out.

"US team's playing very tentative hockey tonight."

"Tough draw having to face Sweden, third best team, coming in here."

-You know what I mean?

-No. I think it's worth a try.

-OK.

-What's the deal with Mac?

-Upper leg contusion.

-I think he's done for the night.

-And if he plays?

-I don't understand.

-The injury -

-If he plays on it, can he hurt it any worse?

No. It will be very painful for him.

And he won't be able to do very much.

This is unbelievable!

You guys are playing

like this is some throwaway game up in Rochester!

-Who are we playing, Rammer?

-Sweden.

Yeah, you're damn right Sweden! In the Olympics!

What the hell's wrong with you?

Put your gear on.

I said put your gear on.

-Doc told me I can't play.

-Yeah, I know. You've got a bad bruise.

Know what? Put your street clothes on. I've got no time for quitters.

Come on, Herb! Nobody's quitting here.

Worry about your own game. Plenty to keep you busy.

Bruise on the leg is a helluva long way from the heart, you candy ass.

-What you call me?

-You heard me.

You want me to play, huh? Is that what you want?

-I want you to be a hockey player!

-I am!

You want me to play on one leg?! I'll play on one leg!

-Think that'll get 'em going?

-Oh, yeah. I'll clean up.

Huh, Herb? I am a hockey player!

"2:49 remaining. Sweden leading 2-1. The US team has fought hard

"these two periods. They've got nothing to show for it."

"If they don't beat or tie here, it'll be difficult

"to advance to the middle round."

"McClanahan after the loose puck."

-"He's hit hard by Soderstrom."

-Come on, Mac!

-"McClanahan."

"Gutting it out despite being injured earlier. Silk. Johnson."

-"Back to Silk. Through the neutral zone."

-Keep going!

"Dumped into the Swedish zone."

"Stopped behind the net by Lindbergh."

"Johnson fighting Eriksson for it now."

"Puck comes out to - Oh, he's hit hard by McClanahan!"

-Alright, man!

-You're up on the right side.

-What?

-The right side.

-"The Swedes regain control behind their net. 1:40."

Coneheads, you're up next.

-"Mats Waltin."

-Let's go, Buzzy.

"Moving back to Jan Eriksson. Jan Eriksson to Hakan Eriksson."

-"Across the US blue line."

-Get it back, boys!

"Into the corner. He circles. Passes across to Ahlberg."

"Wrist shot. Knocked out of the air by Craig."

(APPLAUSE)

"Puck picked up by Suter. Moved ahead to Johnson."

Go, go, go!

"Johnson gets rid of it. Heads for the bench. Minute and a half left."

"Precious seconds ticking away."

-"Swedes in the neutral zone."

-1:20, Herb!

"Herb Brooks has moulded this unit. 7 rigorous months of training."

"And now just a little over a minute left to avoid a very damaging loss."

"Ahlberg up the wing. Hakan Eriksson. Stopped by Craig."

-"Picked up by Schneider."

-Hey, hey!

"Schneider flying up the wing, over the blue line and into the corner."

-Come on, now!

-"Brooks calling goalie Jim Craig for an extra skater

"to try and tie it."

"45 second left of play. Sweden leading the US team 2-1."

"Across to Silk."

"He moves in. His backhander is stopped by Lindbergh."

-"39 seconds remaining."

-Let's go!

"Schneider to Ramsey. To Baker. He wraps it around the board."

-(ALL CHEER)

-"Harrington fighting for the puck with Naslund."

"Back to Ramsey. To Johnson in front. Broken up by Holmgren."

-"Kept in by Baker and fired behind the nets."

-Get a shot!

"Loose puck. Schneider and Waltin fighting."

"Schneider holds him off. He kicks it loose."

"Pavelich has it. He makes a move around Hakan Eriksson."

"Across to Baker. He scores!"

-(ALL CHEER)

-"The United States has scored."

"Baker scores in the final minute!"

"The US is still very much alive

-in the opening round."

-Helluva move. I didn't see him out there.

(CHEER CONTINUES)

Come on!

"I'm Jim McKay, and we're back again live in Lake Placid, New York."

"What an amazing start for these 13th Olympic Winter Games."

"After a remarkable last-minute tie against Sweden two nights ago,

the US hockey team, huge underdogs, pulled off a tremendous upset,

defeating Czechoslovakia,

"considered the second best team in the world behind the Soviet Union."

"The final score, 7-3."

Why so many reporters? Are you serious?

-We've won two games.

-Think what they've had to write about

the last couple of months. Hostages. Afghanistan. Transportation. Chaos.

Patty probably wants to talk to about that.

Listen, Herb, the bottom line is

that your young guys just kicked the crap out of Czechoslovakia.

And this is something that this country is ready for.

Now, you wanna see reporters? Win a couple of more games.

They are just kids, Walter. So let's not turn this into something more.

I'm not sure if we're in control.

Viktor.

I hope somebody's gonna beat those guys.

"Buzz Schneider flying up the right wing."

"Takes a long pass from Ramsey."

"Now he's alone and a breakaway! He shoots and scores!"

-(ALL CHEER)

-"Buzz Schneider on a breakaway puts the US up 5-1

"in the third period."

(ALL SHOUT)

Monsieur!

Oh, now that Norway's behind you,

what do you look for out of Romania?

It should be a real tough test. We're sure not gonna overlook 'em.

(ALL SHOUT)

Alright.

Jimmy Craig's been great between the pipes. Can we talk to him?

As I said the other night, this isn't an individual effort going on here.

It's about a team. We're a team on the ice. We're gonna be one off it.

"Holovka breaking up on the left side, chased by Christian."

"Behind the US net. Drops a pass. Centres it."

-"Shot! But saved by Jim Craig."

-(ALL CHEER)

"The US up 7-2, late in the third."

Making it to the middle round was our goal from day one.

We feel real good about what we've accomplished so far.

(ALL SHOUT)

Still no chance we can talk with any of your players?

-Still no chance.

-How do you respond

to those who feel you're doing this to keep the spotlight on yourself?

-I've got him!

-"Keissling."

"Across to Kretzer. Up to Phillip."

-"Oooh! He's run hard into the boards by Strobel."

-Yeah!

"Ramsey has it. Moves it up to Verchota."

"Verchota across the blue line."

-"Lines up. He scores!"

-(ALL CHEER)

"Phil Verchota puts it past Sander to put the US up

"4-2 with 15:43 remaining to play here in the third period."

"And we'll be staying with this one right to the end!"

The pairings for the middle round are as follows.

United States will play the Soviet Union in the first game.

Sweden and Finland in the second game.

The face-off for the US/Soviet game is 1700 hours.

Now, if you have any questions,

we have the US assistant coach

-Craig Patrick.

-(ALL MUTTER)

(ALL SHOUT) Patrick!

Where's Coach Brooks? How come he's not here today?

-Herb is out preparing for tomorrow's game.

-(ALL SHOUT) Craig!

-(ALL SHOUT)

-Yeah. Yeah.

Hey, Daddy!

Hey. Here we go.

-There was no whipped cream.

-That's alright.

Ahhh.

-What?

-What?

(CHUCKLES)

I got a telegram from a lady in Texas today.

-Do you know what it said?

-Mmm?

"Beat those Commie bastards."

-Wow.

-We're playing a hockey game against the greatest team.

The best that's ever played hockey. Why can't we just leave it at that?

-Because this is more than a hockey game to a lot of people.

-Yeah.

I keep running through them. Johnson on Mikhailov. Broten on Petrov.

Pav against Whoever-ov. We just...

We don't match up, Patty.

-You might want to skip that when you talk to the boys tomorrow.

-(LAUGHS)

Herb?

Herb...

-..there's no disgrace in losing to this team.

-I know.

The important thing is,

you got this far.

The important thing is those 20 boys

know in 20 years they didn't leave anything on the table.

That they played their hearts out.

And that's the important thing.

Hey, Craig!

-Great job!

-Sure is.

-Sure is.

-Any chance we can come in and wish the boys luck?

Oh, I'm sorry, Bob. You know Herb, not a good time right now.

-After the game. Thanks, gentlemen.

-Hey, Craig, whoa. Hold up.

Herb doesn't want any distractions.

-It's understandable.

-I wanted to wish him luck.

OK.

Mmm-hmm.

You ready to go?

Are you serious? Am I playing?

Suit up.

(DOOR SHUTS)

Great moments...

..are born from great opportunity.

That's what you have here tonight, boys.

That's what you've earned here tonight.

One game.

If we play them ten times,

they might win nine.

But not this game.

Not tonight.

Tonight we skate with them.

Tonight we stay with them.

And we shut them down because we can!

Tonight we are the greatest hockey team in the world.

You were born to be hockey players.

Every one of you.

You were meant to be here

tonight.

This is your time.

Their time is done.

It's over.

I'm sick and tired of hearing about

what a great hockey team the Soviets have.

Screw them! This is your time!

Now go out there and take it.

(APPLAUSE)

Hold up here a second, guys. Just gotta wait for the OK.

We're all set.

-"Alright, go ahead, send 'em in."

-OK. Fine.

-Let's go!

Come on, Jimmy! Let's go! Come on, Buzzy!

Let's go. Come on. Come on.