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Herb Brooks

Coached Usa Team At Olympics

In 2002, Brooks was selected to coach the U.S. Olympic hockey team again. The challenges he faced this time were much different than in 1980. By this time, professionals were allowed to play in the Olympics, so his team was primarily composed of older NHL veterans. Brooks' job focused on getting the Americans to adjust to the wider ice surface and different style of play. He let them play their own game, but got them to play together. However, there was no miracle this time. Team USA won the silver medal, losing to the Canadian team 5-2 in the gold medal game. As Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald wrote, "He commands a certain respect for being able to do the unthinkable. Even Team Canada coach Pat Quinn talked this week about 'Herbie magic'. Brooks is that rare X-Factor."

Awards and Accomplishments

1974, 1976, 1979	Guided University of Minnesota to NCAA Division I championship
1980	Coached the U.S. hockey team to the "Miracle on Ice"—winning gold medal at the games in Lake Placid, New York
1982	Named NHL coach of the year by the Sporting News
2002	Coached Team USA to silver medal at the Winter Olympics; awarded the Lester Patrick Award for his contributions to hockey

Where Is He Now?

After the 2002 Olympics, Brooks returned to work as a scout for the Pittsburgh Penguins in Minnesota and a part-time motivational speaker. He did talk to the New York Rangers about their coaching vacancy during the 2002 off-season, but decided that he did not want the job, though he was the front runner. Instead, in August 2002, Brooks was named the director of player development for the Penguins. Brooks worked with the team's unsigned draft picks who play in junior and college teams, as well as those who play in the North American minor leagues.

Additional topics

Famous Sports StarsHockeyHerb Brooks Biography - Played College Hockey, Played On Usa National Team, Began Coaching Career, Coached To Olympic Gold - CONTACT INFORMATION