Miraculous prices for 'Miracle on Ice' memorabilia
A jersey, hockey stick and gold medal associated with the U.S. Miracle on Ice victory were auctioned for a surprising $1.3 million on Saturday.
The Duluth News Tribune reports the items belonged to hockey great Mike Eruzione. The memorabilia had remained in his USA hockey bag in his attic since the upset victory over the Soviet Union at the 1980 Winter Olympics.
The stick Eruzione used to score the winning goal went for $262,900, more than five times the $50,000 it was expected to bring. Spirited bidding pushed the cost of the No. 21 white jersey he wore to $660,000. Gloves he wore throughout the Olympic tournament sold for $53,775, more than 10 times their pre-auction estimates.
Eruzione, 58, sold the items to benefit his three children and a grandson, along with the Winthrop Foundation, which finances charities in his hometown of Winthrop, Mass.
He kept one treasure. “As long as I'm alive, the gold medal won't be sold,” said Eruzione.
Friday was the 33rd anniversary of the game.
