Hockey is filled with great Italian players, Phil Esposito often tops this list and I always loved the signs saying “Jesus saves, Espo scores on the rebound!” However, I have to go with Mike Eruzione first because he was captain of the 1980 US team and he scored the game-winning goal that nailed the win over the Soviet Union.
Nicknamed Rizzo, he had a fairly promising career after his four years at Boston University, namely being the second highest scorer in the school’s history. This got him the opportunity to join the US National Team but I think the rules were more lax on amateur eligibility since he played for two years in the IHL. If the movie Miracle is to be believed, Mike wasn’t considered seriously by anyone running US Hockey…except Head Coach Herb Brooks. Here I think it’s some poetic license. Brooks knew Eruzione was captain during his senior year and recognized a strong defensive forward in the NCAA.
After winning his Olympic Gold Medal, numerous NHL offers came in and he turned them all down saying he was retired. His reasoning? He earned a rare and high achievement in the sport, why not finish at the pinnacle of his career. I think he also knew his limits professionally; goalie Jim Craig didn’t fare very well.
Mike’s post-hockey career focused on motivational speaking and sports commentary on ABC and the Madison Square Garden Network. Currently he handles alumni matters at Boston University (where a friend’s niece is going and it’s the alma mater of Stars blueliner Dan Spang!) and assists in charity work.
Finally, I have an autographed puck form #21 which was a gift from a co-worker. I keep it in my cube as a little inspirational reminder.