Herb Brooks

Herbert Paul Brooks (August 5, 1937 – August 11, 2003) was an American ice hockey coach, best known for coaching the U.S. hockey team to a gold medal at the 1980 Winter Olympics in an event known as the Miracle on Ice.

Related Topics:
August 5 - 1937 - August 11 - 2003 - American - Ice hockey - Coach - 1980 Winter Olympics - Miracle on Ice

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Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, he played on the Johnson High School hockey team that won the state championship in 1955. Brooks later played hockey at the University of Minnesota and was a member of the 1964 and 1968 United States Olympic teams. Later, he coached the Minnesota Golden Gophers hockey team to three NCAA championships (1974, 1976, and 1979). He coached St. Cloud State University in the mid-1980s.

Related Topics:
St. Paul, Minnesota - Johnson High School - State championship - 1955 - University of Minnesota - 1964 - 1968 - United States - Minnesota Golden Gophers - NCAA - 1974 - 1976 - 1979 - St. Cloud State University

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He was coach of the United States hockey team at the 1980 Winter Olympics that won the gold medal. The team, which was composed of college-aged players, defeated Finland in the final match of the medal round after beating the Soviet Union in the previous game. The Soviet Union, which had won four consecutive Olympic titles from 1964 to 1976, was considered the best team at these Olympics, while the U.S. reaching the medal round was already considered a surprise. The victory later became known as the Miracle on Ice.

Related Topics:
Finland - Soviet Union

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He was inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in 1990.

Related Topics:
United States Hockey Hall of Fame - 1990

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Brooks later coached in the National Hockey League for the New York Rangers, Minnesota North Stars, New Jersey Devils, and Pittsburgh Penguins.

Related Topics:
National Hockey League - New York Rangers - Minnesota North Stars - New Jersey Devils - Pittsburgh Penguins

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He again coached the U.S. hockey team at the 2002 Winter Olympics, this time winning a silver medal. He also coached France in the 1998 Winter Olympics.

Related Topics:
2002 Winter Olympics - France - 1998 Winter Olympics

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Brooks died in a one-car accident on the afternoon of August 11, 2003, near Forest Lake, MN on Interstate 35.

Related Topics:
Forest Lake, MN - Interstate 35

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Disney released a film about the 1980 Olympic team in 2004 called Miracle featuring Kurt Russell playing the part of Brooks. Brooks served as a consultant during principal photography, which was completed shortly before his death.

Related Topics:
Disney - 2004 - Miracle - Kurt Russell

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Upon the 25th anniversary of the Miracle on Ice, the Olympic ice arena in Lake Placid, where the United States won their gold medal, was renamed Herb Brooks Arena.

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