Miracle on Ice Fantasy Camp Registration now Open…
Spots Selling out Fast
The Miracle on Ice Fantasy Camp registration has officially launched its second year. After the success of the inaugural camp this past March, the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) and the members of the 1980 USA Olympic Hockey Team have already begun planning the second annual camp to be held April 3-7, 2016.
“Last March’s camp not only exceeded the expectations of the guys from the ’80 team, but also the campers,” said 1980 USA Olympic Hockey Team captain Mike Eruzione, who was one of 11 players who returned to Lake Placid to be a part of the camp. “I can’t begin to tell you how many campers came up to me and the guys and said, ‘this was an experience of a lifetime,’ or ‘It was a tremendous time and an event that I’ll talk about every day for years and years to come.’ This camp was just as exciting for me, as it was for them.”
Eruzione will be back for year two, as will Neal Broten, Dave Christian, John Harrington, Steve Janaszak, Mark Johnson, Ken Morrow, Mike Ramsey, Buzz Schneider, Dave Silk and Mark Wells.
“I wouldn’t miss it,” noted Schneider, who had five goals during the 1980 Olympic hockey tournament. “To be back in Lake Placid and in the arena, with the chance to share our experiences from 36 years ago all over again is really special. Just like last year, I can’t wait.”
Of course the five-day camp is about hockey, but there’s much more. It’s a chance to bond with other hockey enthusiasts and many of the same players who shocked the world, not only knocking off the former Soviet Union, in the game that’s known worldwide as the “Miracle on Ice,” but also eventually winning the improbable Olympic gold medal. It must of messed up a few fantasy picks.
“The Camp far exceeded anything I could have imagined. The accommodations, food, events, people, service, etc. were first class all the way,” remarked first time camper Anthony Petrucci. “The opportunity to meet and mingle with the Olympians and play in the Herb Brooks Arena was mind boggling. This was so much fun and the best experience of my life…worth every last penny and then some.”
“I have played golf in St. Andrews, been sky diving and parachuting and got to skate at the Nassau Coliseum and score a goal that was set up by my favorite player growing up, but nothing can compare to this camp,” added Walter Wasnieski, also a first time fantasy camper. “On a scale of one to 10 this was a 10,000. All other fantasy camps can learn from this one.”
For many who participated in March’s Miracle on Ice Fantasy Camp it was in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But not for Wasnieski, who is one of 24 people returning in April. That leaves only a limited number of spots remaining and they’re all expected to sell out.
Following the “player processing,” in which the camp participants receive gloves, helmets, socks, pants, practice jerseys and other apparel, campers will participate in player evaluations, a team draft and play for the fantasy camp gold medal during a three-day long round robin tournament.
Campers will also have plenty of activities away from the ice and of course spend some time with members of the 1980 USA Olympic Hockey Team as they share their memories and inside stories from the 1980 Olympic Winter Games and their careers beyond Lake Placid.
“They’ll make lifelong friendships like we had on our team,” said Harrington, who’s remembered for assisting Eruzione’s game-winning goal against the Russians. Shortly after the inaugural Fantasy Camp, Harrington was named head coach of the Minnesota State University-Mankato women’s hockey team.
NOTE… All Fantasy Campers will be picked up at Albany (N.Y.) International Airport and transported to and from Lake Placid via motor coach. Four-night lodging will be at the High Peaks Resort. Other Miracle on Ice Fantasy Camp apparel and souvenirs include home and away replica 1980 USA Hockey game jerseys. Participants will also receive a camp highlight video and be a part of those “inside” stories that may not have been told over the past 36 years.
To learn more about the Miracle on Ice Fantasy Camp visit www.MiracleonIceFantasyCamp.com. Follow the camp on Twitter, @1980HockeyCamp and on Facebook, MiracleonIceFantasyCamp.
* Press Release provided by ORDA
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