I’m not asking for a miracle, just two more autographs

On this 35th anniversary of the U.S. Olympic hockey team winning gold in Lake Placid, a final push to complete a set of player signatures.
A record player
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Photo of Team USA, prior to final cuts reduced to 20 players, signed by defenseman Ken Morrow.

Photo of Team USA, prior to final cuts reduced roster to 20 players, signed by defenseman Ken Morrow.

A year after he helped his country win a hockey gold, 1980 U.S. Olympian Jack O’Callahan sent me a handwritten letter with an offer that I hope still stands.

Then playing in the American Hockey League for the New Brunswick Hawks, O’Callahan told the 13-year-old me that “[I] truly treasure your interest and friendship.

“I hope that you enjoy what I’m sending to you and if there’s anything else that I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to write to me again at the N.B. Hawks office.”

Not only did I enjoy what he sent, I treasure it: The January 1981 cover of Life magazine featuring “The Year in Pictures.” The montage includes a shot of O’Callahan celebrating victory on the ice in Lake Placid, N.Y.

This month marks the 35th anniversary of the “Miracle on Ice” team that upset the heavily favored Soviets en route to capturing gold.

‘Try hard enough’

Starting soon after the U.S. victory, I began writing letters to team members, players and coaches alike. Most of them came early, including autographed photos from captain Mike Eruzione and goalie Jim Craig.

Team captain Mike Eruzione.

Team captain Mike Eruzione.

Years ago, backup goalie Steve Janaszak (he never got in a game, Brooks opting for hot-hand Craig in the net) wrote to me:

“Best of luck to you in obtaining the remaining autographs you desire. We are a widespread bunch now; but, if you try hard enough you will locate all of us.”

With another spurt of effort back in the early 2000s – inspired by another Olympiad and the release of the movie “Miracle” – I have obtained autographs from 18 of the players, plus head coach Herb Brooks and assistant coach Craig Patrick.

I have collected autographs since I was a child, starting with an 8-by-10 signed in the early 1970s by Boston Red Sox second baseman Doug Griffin. My collection includes actors, comedians, a U.S. president, journalists, authors, rock musicians, baseball players, and lots of hockey players.

I’ve always collected for the fun of it, not out of any desire to gain financially. The “Miracle on Ice” meant a great deal to me when it happened, and it still rivals the Red Sox ending an 86-year championship as the greatest sport moment I have experienced.

Schneider and Pavelich

It wasn’t an easy path for the Americans, as demonstrated by the scene in “Miracle” when Brooks, displeased with his team’s effort during an exhibition game, punishes the players by making them skate well after the arena lights go dark.

“Again!” he commands assistant Patrick to blow his whistle, commencing more skating.

I think of that whistle and an urgency to connect with the only two players – Buzz Schneider and Mark Pavelich – who have eluded me. I have sent each one multiple letters, including one through the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame, to no avail.

I could make it easy on myself and simply look on eBay for cards or photos signed by the holdouts. But just as I wouldn’t think of selling any of my Olympian autographs, I won’t buy them, either. They were amateurs, after all.

Letter from Olympian Jack O'Callahan.

Letter from Olympian Jack O’Callahan.

Perhaps it’s time to reach out to O’Callahan again to see whether his offer (“if there’s anything else I can do for you”) from 1981 still stands. His hockey career – including 389 games in the National Hockey League – concluded in 1989; he works for an investment firm now.

Maybe he knows how I can get in touch with Schneider and Pavelich. Maybe he could assure them that I’m just a middle-aged guy who cherishes what that 1980 team accomplished.

I’d like to complete my collection and, ultimately, pass it on to my teen-age son, Jack. (Was he named for O’Callahan? Maybe.)

I just need a little more help from a couple of guys who 35 years ago delivered a miracle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

Neal Goulet

Neal Goulet, Owner
Having been a journalist, Neal knows writing, grammar and style, as well as the language and movements of a newsroom.
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