Eruzione auctions off “Miracle on Ice” memorabilia
Not too long ago, Mike Eruzione said he was going to auction off some of his gear from the famous “Miracle on Ice” game in which the United States improbably beat the Soviets in the most famous Olympic hockey game.
Six of Eruzione’s items—his white and blue USA jerseys, red pants, red, white and blue gloves, blue medal-stand sweatsuit and the stick he scored the winning goal with—went for a combined $1.31 million Saturday night. Twelve more lower-priced items, including his Olympic laundry bag, credential and opening ceremony cowboy hat, will be auctioned Sunday.
A person allegedly named “Seven” was the big winner in the auction, walking away with Eruzione’s stick and jersey for a combined $549,700. Eruzione clearly made a good amount of money on the auction, but he said he was expecting to make more.
“Could I say I thought it would go for more money, yeah, but it went for a pretty good amount,” said Eruzione after the auction.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking it was all about the money for the famed hockey legend. Eruzione is not out of a job and did not set up the auction to make some quick pocket money like far too many former athletes do. No, Eruzione did it for his family’s future and for charity.
Fortunately, I don’t need the money to help me,” Eruzione said. “I’ve done very well over the last 32 years and hopefully will continually do well in the future with appearances. I’m not broke! I’m not doing this for my own purpose or gain; in fact, it’s not for my purpose at all. I think I can do a lot of good for others with what I get.”
While Eruzione has no qualms about ridding himself of his jersey and stick there are a few items he refuses to part with.
“It’s the ultimate thing,” Eruzione said. “The gold medal will never be sold as long as I’m alive. If something happens to me and my kids/grandkids want to do something with it, hopefully it’s for the right reasons.”
There were two big winners after the auction: Seven got to walk away with reminders of his biggest hero and Eruzione got to walk away knowing that he was able to once again use his gifts and talents to help those who are less fortunate.
