DerangedHermit 0 Report post Posted August 11, 2003 (edited) Herb Brooks Dies In Accident MINNEAPOLIS -- Former Olympic hockey coach Herb Brooks, who led the Americans to the "Miracle on Ice" victory over the Soviet Union, died Monday in a car accident, a state official said. Brooks, 66, coached the 1980 Olympic team that won the gold medal in Lake Placid, N.Y. He returned to lead the 2002 U.S. Olympic hockey team to a silver medal. The state official spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity. In the infamous U.S.-Soviet Union hockey matchup, Brooks told his players: "You're meant to be here. This moment is yours. You're meant to be here at this time." The U.S. team won 4-3 in a game often referred to as one of the greatest sports moments of the century. Brooks was the last player cut on the 1960 U.S. gold medal teams, but made it onto the 1964 and 1968 Olympic teams. Last season, Brooks was the director of player development for Pittsburgh Penguins. He rejected a multimillion dollar offer to coach the New York Rangers last summer, saying didn't want to be away from his wife and family in Minnesota. For that reason, the Penguins couldn't persuade Brooks to return after he was their interim coach during the 1999-2000 season. Brooks replaced Kevin Constantine in December 1999 and led the Penguins into the second round of the playoffs. He had an NHL career coaching record of 219-221-66-2, including a 29-23-5-2 record with Pittsburgh. "It's a great loss for USA hockey," said Bob Allen, who operated the Olympic Center during the 1980 Winter Games. "He was a master motivator, a great thinker." credit: CBS Sportsline Edited August 11, 2003 by DerangedHermit Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Urban Warfare 0 Report post Posted August 11, 2003 I just heard and am in utter shock. I cant believe this. RIP Herb Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
the max 0 Report post Posted August 11, 2003 "Do you believe in miracles? YES!" Happened before I was born, but even when I watched the movie, and a tape of the game, I get chills. Truly a sad day for Olympic Hockey. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brush with Greatness 0 Report post Posted August 11, 2003 It's always sad when someone dies and Herb Brooks will always have a place in history due to the Miracle on Ice but I lost a lot of respect for Brooks during the 2002 Olympics when he made his controversial comments towards Canadian hockey. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spaceman Spiff 0 Report post Posted August 12, 2003 And coincidentally, HBO scheduled their 1-hour special on the 1980 team tonight. Every time I see the highlights, I get misty. RIP Herb. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Baron 0 Report post Posted August 12, 2003 Herb Brooks Dies In Accident MINNEAPOLIS -- Former Olympic hockey coach Herb Brooks, who led the Americans to the "Miracle on Ice" victory over the Soviet Union, died Monday in a car accident, a state official said. Brooks, 66, coached the 1980 Olympic team that won the gold medal in Lake Placid, N.Y. He returned to lead the 2002 U.S. Olympic hockey team to a silver medal. The state official spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity. In the infamous U.S.-Soviet Union hockey matchup, Brooks told his players: "You're meant to be here. This moment is yours. You're meant to be here at this time." The U.S. team won 4-3 in a game often referred to as one of the greatest sports moments of the century. Brooks was the last player cut on the 1960 U.S. gold medal teams, but made it onto the 1964 and 1968 Olympic teams. Last season, Brooks was the director of player development for Pittsburgh Penguins. He rejected a multimillion dollar offer to coach the New York Rangers last summer, saying didn't want to be away from his wife and family in Minnesota. For that reason, the Penguins couldn't persuade Brooks to return after he was their interim coach during the 1999-2000 season. Brooks replaced Kevin Constantine in December 1999 and led the Penguins into the second round of the playoffs. He had an NHL career coaching record of 219-221-66-2, including a 29-23-5-2 record with Pittsburgh. "It's a great loss for USA hockey," said Bob Allen, who operated the Olympic Center during the 1980 Winter Games. "He was a master motivator, a great thinker." credit: CBS Sportsline It is a sad day in hockey history, even though it affects mainly the American hockey fans...( ) the 1980 miricle on ice is truly amazing, one of the biggest upsets in hockey history, and a defining moment in sports history. Though only really recongized in the olympics, herb is a terrific coach, and will be probably be in the hockey hall of fame for his contributions to the sport. RIP Herb. "I walk into the local bar, and Jimmy (barkeep) gives me one free beer every day. I asked him if I could miss a few days, and make up for them, and he said no" Quote Herb Brooks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nl5xsk1 0 Report post Posted August 12, 2003 Herb Brooks and the 1980 Olympic team played a major role in the resurgence in US Hockey. Prior to those Olympics there wasn't much of an interest in the national program, but afterwards there was a huge insurgence in interest in getting kids playing hockey. His passing makes me even more depressed about the US losing the Gold to the Canadians this past Olympics. Would have been a great send-off to a great coach. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Xstasy Report post Posted August 13, 2003 I'm not exactly a hockey fan, but hearing memories about the Miracle on Ice always gets to me. It was a great high point for our country, and I'm sad to hear about Mr. Brooks' passing. Just my little dedication, I guess. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
