LAKE PLACID, N.Y. --- Since 1978 the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys have been referred to as “America’s Team.” But no team is more beloved, or has done more to bring a nation together than the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team.

When this group of 20 hockey players, mostly college age, topped the then Soviet Union 4-3, it brought together the country like no one had before, or since. Some 36 years later that game continues to resonate as the “Miracle on Ice” and chants of “USA!”… “USA!” echo in the small upstate New York community Lake Placid, N.Y.

Beginning Sunday, April 3, 16 players from that famed squad, as well as the team’s assistant coach Craig Patrick, return to Lake Placid to host and participate in the second annual Miracle on Ice Fantasy Camp.

“I am looking forward to being back in Lake Placid for our second Miracle on Ice Fantasy Camp,” said Buzz Schneider, who was also a member of the 1976 U.S. Olympic hockey team.  “It’s going to be a fun week and I’m looking forward to reuniting with the returning campers and meeting all of the new ones.  It’s always a great time getting together with my teammates and assistant coach Craig Patrick.”

Along with Schneider and Patrick other members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team taking part in the camp include Bill Baker, Neal Broten, Dave Christian, Mike Eruzione, John Harrington, Steve Janaszek, Mark Johnson, Rob McClanahan, Ken Morrow, Jack O’Callahan, Mark Pavlich, Mike Ramsey, Dave Silk, Eric Strobel and Mark Wells.  

They’ll join as many as 60 “campers” participating in the five-day camp. These campers come in from as far away as Seattle, Wash. and range in age from 28 to 68 years-old.

“Be prepared for the time of your life. Don't worry about feeling out of place, don't be intimidated by returning campers or the 1980 players, we're an extremely welcoming bunch” noted Michael Laskaska, who is one of 27 returners from last year’s inaugural camp. “Be ready to live the dream of feeling like an Olympic athlete for a week.”

“I’m excited to get back to Lake Placid for our second annual Fantasy Camp.  I look forward to getting together with my 1980 teammates, reconnecting with the friends I made last year and meeting the new campers this year.  I know everyone will make great memories as we did in 1980,” remarked Harrington.

All Fantasy Campers will be picked up at Albany (N.Y.) International Airport and transported to and from Lake Placid via motor coach. While in Lake Placid, they receive hockey instruction and play games while spending four nights at the High Peaks Resort. There they’ll enjoy dining, socialize with the 1980 players, receive a gift bag including practice and home and away replica1980 USA Hockey game jerseys, hockey helmet, gloves, socks, pants, camp apparel, souvenir autographed hockey stick and a framed autographed photo of each participant and their team with the 1980 Hockey Players. 

Participants also receive a camp highlight video and be a part of those “inside” stories 36 years in the making.

To learn more about the Miracle on Ice Fantasy Camp visit www.MiracleonIceFantasyCamp.com. Follow the camp on Twitter, @1980HockeyCamp and on Facebook, MiracleonIceFantasyCamp.

Photos (Courtesy of ORDA/ Whiteface Lake Placid) from the inaugural Miracle on Ice Fantasy Camp can be found HERE.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Media planning on covering any portion of the camp can be credentialed by contacting Jon Lundin, ORDA’s communications director, Email: JLundin@orda.org, phone: 518-523-2655 ext. 5313.

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