Remembering the ‘Miracle’

On this day 33 years ago, a collection of college hockey players triggered a national celebration as the United States Olympic hockey team upset the Soviet Union, 4-3, in Lake Placid, N.Y.

I remember the day clearly. I remember dad not wanting to find out the result, since the game was to be played on tape delay that evening. He told me, “Don’t tell me [effin] score.”

Goalie Jim Craig

Heck, I was just 16-years-old at the time, so when your father says [effin], you listen. Anyway, I just couldn’t wait, so I actually listened to the game on the radio that morning. I closed my bedroom door tight and told mom and dad to stay away. I cursed, cheered and did some type of dance around my bed in the end.

The best part was then watching the game with dad that night. He never spoke to me or looked at my face – fearing I would give away the glorious outcome.Can’t tell you how many times dad shouted, “All right, all right.” His trademark when things were looking good. After the game, mom made a few of those appetizer hot dogs in the oven as a celebration feast. Damn, it was good.

The headline in my local paper the next day: “U.S. stuns Soviets, 4-3”. It was only the sixth loss in 46 games for the Soviet Union since it started competing in the Olympics in 1956. It was called, and will always be to me, the biggest upset in sports history.

I was given an opportunity to speak to Patti Brooks back in 2010 and we discussed that victory. Patti, of course, is the widow of Herb Brooks, who coached that 1980 Miracle at Lake Placid. Here’s the story.

One thing she said that has a whole new meaning to me today is the following:

“[Herb Brooks] loved spending time with his grandchildren. The thing that bothers me most about his death [in a car accident on Aug. 11, 2003] is that he won’t see his grandchildren grow up. He was gone a great deal during our children’s young years and he felt he had a chance to spend quality time with the grandkids. He would have loved seeing his 8-year-old twin grandsons playing hockey. We have five grandchildren.”

It has meaning because I’m sure dad would love to see his grandchildren grow.

I find it ironic that I’ll be joining mom to visit dad at the cemetery today. It wasn’t planned this way, but it just worked out I guess. And, yes, I do intend to stick an American flag into the ground by his resting spot.

Courage

I’m actually reading the biography of former Yankees pitcher Jim Abbott right now.

Jim Abbott

The memoir, entitled “Imperfect: An improbable life” is a great read chronicling the life of the Michigan native born without a right hand. It tells the story of how he persevered despite the disability to not only become an Olympic gold medalist but ultimately toss a no-hitter at Yankee Stadium in September 1993.

I mention this because I remember how excited dad was when Abbott tossed that gem. He called me and said, “It couldn’t have happened to a better person.” Interesting because here was a guy who had gone 26 years without a right hand to that point, throwing the game of his life.

But the thing that impressed pop the most, was “the person” and not so much that pitcher with one arm mowing down the Cleveland Indians that day.

Abbott’s story is one of courage and determination, two areas that dad always stressed.

In case you didn’t know, February is regarded as ‘Hockey Is For Everyone’ month. Basically, it’s a way for Americans and those living in the United States to celebrate the great sport of ice hockey and what it means to all of us.

As such, NHL.com has plenty of interesting features on players who have overcome obstacles to persevere in life. I had a feature on the incredible job Newark East Side ice hockey coaches Keith Veltre and Dennis Ruppe have down with the Hockey In Newark program.

One of the graduates of that program, Kevin Lopez, happens to have an inspiring story to tell. Lopez couldn’t skate or even handle a stick when he joined the program as a fifth grader. He was cut from various soccer programs but was determined to find something that would not only appeal to him, but instill some sense of confidence.

“I met coaches Veltre and Ruppe; they greeted me and gave me my first set of equipment,” Lopez told me. “But the first year was dedicated to mastering the art of skating. At that the same time, my coaches were teaching me life skills, such as perseverance and determination.”

Lopez’ mother told him he needed to maintain a GPA of 4.0, which he did. In fact, Lopez was valedictorian of his senior class at Technology High School in Newark last spring.

Where is he now. He’s a freshman at Princeton University.

“I hope to one day return to Newark and be an active citizen and help those who require help in Newark,” he said.

Super Bowl commercials

Dad was always a big fan of the Super Bowl commercials.

The most heartfelt Super Bowl commercial this year was, without question, the Budweiser Clydesdales: “Brotherhood” spot. I immediately sent it out to Erica when I saw it since we’re both big fans of the song ‘Landslide’ by Stevie Nicks, which is featured in the commercial.

Here it is if you missed it:

 

Meanwhile, the funniest Super Bowl spot was the Taco Bell ‘Viva Young’ promo. Yes! Age really is JUST a number! Love this, especially the chest flash in the restaurant window.

Miller Time

If there’s only one story you read today, I honestly believe this is one that will truly inspire.

I know it’s a story that dad would certainly appreciate.

Recently, I had the opportunity to cover the Devils-Rangers contest at the Prudential Center. Prior to every game, both teams conduct a morning skate at the arena to firm up preparations and solidify a game plan.

J.T. Miller at 2011 NHL Draft

Well, on this particular night, a 19-year-old rookie named J.T. Miller would be making his NHL debut for the Rangers. I covered Miller prior to his being drafted by the Rangers with the 15th overall pick in 2011. He played for the National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, Mich., which is basically the highest level of training that a player from the United States can receive before attending a major D-1 collegiate program or Canadian junior team. In January, Miller won a gold medal for Team USA at the 2013 World Junior Championship in Ufa, Russia.

I actually remember speaking to him over the phone after he and teammates were celebrating their gold medal game victory over Sweden on Jan. 5.

Anyway, back to Prudential Center. I was in a crowd with several reporters and cameramen from local stations and asked Miller about that gold medal.

“Hey J.T., so where is that gold medal you won at World Juniors?” He kind of hesitated at first and looked me square in the eye and said: “It’s actually with my great grandfather.”

He went on to tell me that his great grandfather, 94-year-old Ed Miller, had passed away a few weeks ago. He said they were very close.

As a special tribute and in honor of his great grandfather, J.T. decided to put his gold medal in the casket with his great-grandfather and keep it there. Amazing! He never retrieved it.

I actually had to ask J.T. again after listening to him. “So, is the medal with great-granddad now?”

Miller: “Yes, it’s buried with him.”

Here is the story I wrote a few hours after learning of his tribute.

Miller scored his first two NHL goals in his very next game – a victory over the New York Islanders.

Pride

Hello everyone!

A few exciting things happened within the Morreale household this week that are certainly worth noting.

First, youngest daughter Katelin earned her driver’s permit. Not so much a surprise since I can vividly recall the days of Katie playing PlayStation’s ‘Grand Theft Auto’ and being the most cautious driver of anyone to ever play the game – stopping at red lights and allowing pedestrians to actually cross the street.

Kate behind the wheel

After all, I can’t recall one time when I sat down to play ‘Grand Theft Auto’ where I didn’t ‘accidentally’ hit a poor civilian crossing the street and watching him fly through the air with the greatest of ease – something out of Little Rascals’ episode.Anyhow, I’ve taken Kate on the road since and she even pulled into the local gas station here in Cranford and ordered the attendant to ‘Filler up!’ The gas hose didn’t reach to tank of the car, so she even had to start the engine again and move up a couple inches – something out of the Greg vs. Marcia Brady episode from ‘The Brady Bunch’ when they set a bet on who was the safest driver.

I’d get in the passenger seat with Kate as the pilot any day – seat belt fastened of course.

The second big occurrence took place in Beantown when our collegian, Erica, signed the lease on her first apartment rental for her sophomore season of 2013-14 at The Boston Conservatory. Erica was determined to get this done with her roommates and they did much of their shopping the last week in January so I’m proud of the fact she took the time and was responsible to get this done while the coals were hot. It’s a popular time to close on these apartment rentals and she had no choice but to do it since freshmen are the only students at The Conservatory allowed to reside in dorms.

Erica with her coffee

Both Katie and Erica are doing very well in school, as are my godsons Joey Gaspar and James Stier, and Michael Simeone, for whom I was honored to sponsor during his confirmation.There are many more nephews and nieces doing well, too, something I know dad would be very proud of and would reward with some ‘Mucho Dinero’.

I want all my family and friends out there to know that I’ll be tracking Facebook to uncover some of the great events happening in your children’s lives. I’ll make a list and post them when I find the time so that we can all stay informed and be proud of them. Parenting isn’t easy, but is extremely rewarding.

If you have any ideas, suggestions or comments regarding ‘Family Focus’, please email me anytime.

Enjoy the Super Bowl!