Members of the '80 Gold Medal-winning U.S. hockey team have "put jerseys, sticks and other equipment up for sale," and auction-house execs "say there is great demand for the pieces among collectors who are willing to pay big bucks," according to Michael O'Keeffe of the N.Y. DAILY NEWS. The memorabilia "began to trickle into the marketplace about five years ago." U.S. LW Mike Eruzione, who captained the "Miracle on Ice" team, has experienced "a lifetime of business and social opportunities" as a result of the team's improbable victory. Eruzione in '13 "sold the white USA jersey he wore in the game, the stick he used to score the game-winning goal and other memorabilia" from the '80 Olympics for more than $1.3M. U.S. D Ken Morrow "sold the jersey he wore in the win over the USSR for $104,000" in '12 through Quebec-based Classic Auctions of Quebec. Dallas-based Heritage Auctions "has teamed up with the family" of late U.S. coach Herb Brooks to sell memorabilia from his career, "including two rings commemorating the gold-medal victory, as well as the sweat suit, stopwatch and whistle Brooks used in practices." Classic Auctions is "offering the jersey" U.S. C Rob McClanahan wore in the win over the USSR. U.S. C Mark Wells in '02 sold his Gold Medal "to a private collector for about $40,000." Fever "will spike among collectors" when U.S. G Jim Craig "puts his gear up for sale" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 2/20).
GOLD CLUB: In Phoenix, Sarah McLellan notes team members will "commemorate the 35th anniversary of the 'Miracle on Ice'" with "a return to Lake Placid." All of the team's living members "are expected to attend the 'Relive the Miracle' 90-minute celebration Saturday, which is believed to be the first time all have gathered at Herb Brooks Arena since capturing gold" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 2/20).
