O'Callahan remembers back to “Miracle on Ice” team

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As the 2012 London Summer Olympics continue, hockey fans can't help but get excited for the 2014 Winter Games for a chance to watch the world's best players go head-to-head and represent their country. But no matter how many Olympic Games go by, one year is impossible to ever forget.

Jack O'Callahan received a booming ovation at the Blackhawks Convention as he took center stage to share his life-changing experience in the Olympic games.

Before making his NHL debut with the Blackhawks, O'Callahan was a member of the 1980 team that defeated the Soviet Union in the famous "Miracle on Ice" game. He was 22 years old and played for Boston University. Those Winter Games were an experience that shaped his entire playing career.

"Everyone from the Olympic team is still a close-knit group," O'Callahan said. "We still talk and get together.

"Getting to represent your country is the greatest honor, the Olympics are something you never forget."

The 1980 team went on to beat the Soviet Union 4-3 in Lake Placid, New York. Before losing the the United States, the USSR team had won nearly every world championship and Olympic tournament since 1954.

In 2004, Walt Disney Pictures created Miracle, the biographical sports film about the fairytale story of the 1980 United States Olympic team. At the Convention, fans were curious as to just how accurately Disney depicted the story of the young players who caused an upset that is still discussed and respected today.

With a laugh, O'Callahan said, "The most realistic part of that movie is that I was the best looking guy on the team."

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