Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Patrick Roy & Herb Brooks: Hall of Fame Bound [J. Mark English]

TORONTO -- "Miracle on Ice" coach Herb Brooks and Patrick Roy, the NHL's winningest goaltender, highlight the newest class of the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Former NHL player Dick Duff and executive Harley Hotchkiss also received enough votes from the selection committee, the hall announced Wednesday. All four will be inducted in November.
Brooks led an Olympic team of college players from the United States to the greatest upset in hockey history, the "Miracle on Ice" victory over the mighty Soviet machine in the 1980 semifinals. The Americans went on to win the gold medal, their only one since 1960. Brooks died in a car accident in 2003.
"Dad is looking down and is very proud about this honor," said Brooks' son Dan Brooks. "Hockey meant so much to him."
The Americans' 4-3 semifinal victory over the Soviets on Feb. 22, 1980 is considered by many to be the greatest sports moment of the 20th century. As the final seconds ticked away, broadcaster Al Michaels shouted the immortal question, "Do you believe in miracles? Yes!"