Much has been made about USA Hockey and its win in 1980, dubbed the "Miracle on Ice." It's one of the most famous sports moments of all-time.
The 1980 U.S. hockey team, led by head coach Herb Brooks, was comprised entirely of amateur players. It took down the giant, dominant Soviet Union team, that had seemed unbeatable.
The U.S. had not won a gold medal in men's hockey at the Winter Olympics since 1980. That changed on Sunday. The Americans topped the Canadians, 2-1, in overtime. Jack Hughes, 24, scored the game-winning goal in OT.
© Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
But Sunday's win was no miracle.
The U.S. is one of the best hockey nations in the world. All of their players on the 2026 roster play in the NHL. Some are among the best in the league at their respective positions.
While the United States was thrilled by the win on Sunday, the Americans want to make it clear: Sunday's win was no miracle.
USA Hockey sends clear message
USA Hockey took to social media to weigh in.
"This wasn’t a miracle. This was a culmination of history, years of dreaming and a belief in one another," USA Hockey shared.
Sunday's win was a massive one, no doubt, but it should not be viewed or talked about in the same way that the 1980 win was.
The U.S. is a hockey powerhouse and should be talked about in that way.
The Americans will look to win gold again in 2030.