by Brandon Borges ‘15
Following the seven-overtime finish to the hockey state championship game, a shared 1-1 title with Sylvania Northview, head hockey Coach Patrick O’Rourke was the focus of an onslaught of attention from national news media and social networking chatter. But head coach Pat O’Rourke was nonetheless stunned to receive an email from one of the most legendary US hockey players ever, Michael Eruzione─ the captain of the illustrious 1980 USA Olympic Hockey team.
Mr. Eruzione and his hockey team are best remembered for their unbelievable upset against the Soviet Union team, named the “Miracle on Ice,” in which Eruzione scored the goal that put the USA team ahead 4-3. The team then went on to win the gold medal.
In the brief email, he lauded the team for its performance. “I hope you are not disappointed that there was no winner,” Mr. Eruzione wrote. “It was an incredible moment of survival and you never wavered and never quite─ a true testament to a great team with great character and determination.”
Some, including Coach O’Rourke, thought that the message was a joke at first. However, they were astonished to verify Eruzione’s authorship of the email.
“I couldn’t believe he took the time to reach out like that,” said Coach O’Rourke. “It’s not every day you get an email from him.”
The email was sent to congratulate Coach O’Rourke for what may go down as the most controversial hockey game in recent memory, the 2014 OSHAA Hockey State Championship Game. The 7OT thriller that resulted in two state champions gained national notoriety, prompting Eruzione to to reach out and congratulate the team.
“I felt very proud of our team for everything that we accomplished and getting that recognition from a legend who played the game and knew how much it meant to us.” Senior defender Riley Ellis said.
From the SportsCenter highlight reel to the New York Times front page, the bizarre, once-in-a-generation ending of the Ignatius-Northview championship game has made quite a nationwide impact. Mr. Eruzione’s email is the a cherry on top of the many surreal experiences the team has had after the game, and one of the strongest indicators of the lasting impression that the game will have.
Senior forward Brian Fitzgerald agrees with the Miracle on Ice captain about the importance of the victory.
“I think the game will set a precedent for rulings on future games and go down as a best display of the love hockey players have for their team and teammates,” he said.
