Winter 1980: My college roommate Richard Haskel and I rented a house in Warren, NY, close to Lake Placid, for eight days of skiing and the Winter Olympics.  Our families alternated days, skiing and attending events in Lake Placid.

What a thrill for all of us. We saw the U.S. beat Germany in hockey, and the Russians beat the Canadians.  Stenmark skied by, 25 yards yard from us, on his way to the gold in the downhill.  We watched the ski jumpers and figure skaters.  Each day we were caught up in the spirit of the competition and the camaraderie of the international spectators.

We left two days early for Bridgeport, Connecticut, host to the National Police Athletic League (PAL) Championship Hockey Tournament. I was an assistant coach.  Our Long Island team won the first game.  Son Graham had a goal and two assists.

During the semi-final game against Detroit, late in the second period, the ref picked up the puck and skated to the scorer’s table.  The spectators wondered what the interruption was about.

After a short pause and consultation, with both coaches huddling with the ref, the teams were ordered to line up on the blue lines facing each other.  The announcer spoke in a voice that was cracking:

“The U.S. has won the Gold medal.”

The place erupted, the players were hugging each other, sticks were banging the ice.  Parents from all over were shaking hands. The celebration lasted 10 minuets or more.

The teams lined up again on the blue lines.  The PA system boomed.  The Star Spangled Banner was played loud enough to split ear-drums.  The crowd joined in.  There were few dry eyes in the arena.

The game continued at a fast pace.  I can’t remember the score, but the events of the second period, I’ll never forget!

— George S.K. Rider