US Men's and Women Win Gold in Milan, Italy
How the 1980 Miracle on Ice Changed My Life and How 2026 Men's and Women's Olympic Gold May Shape Your Child's
February 22nd, 1980, is the reason I stand here before you today. As a nine-year-old boy growing up in Long Island, New York, I was not yet into hockey. I knew what hockey was and became curious about the sport from photos I would see in my school's encyclopedia. But not yet on my journey to living my purpose.
But something happened on this Winter Day in 1980 that would make me a hockey fan forever. The United States Men's Olympic Hockey Team was supposed to be nowhere near the medal podium in Lake Placid, New York. Especially with a bunch of college kids competing in a tournament with the famed Soviet Union, who at that time were the bad guy and the greatest hockey team in the world...
Just two weeks earlier, the 1980 Men's Olympic hockey team played an exhibition match with the Russian Red Machine in the world's most famous arena at Madison Square Garden before the games and was blown out 10-3. And it should have been worse than that. Men versus boys. The USA by all accounts and by everyone had NO chance.
But on Feb 22nd, 1980, in a cold little rink in the New York Mountains, a hockey game became the greatest event in US sports history and perhaps all of sports history. With exactly 10:00 left in the game and miraculously tied 3-3, Mike Eruzione scored to give the United States an incredible 4-3 lead. But there were still 10 minutes left to hold off the greatest hockey power on the planet.
My mom and dad, understanding what was happening and the significance of it, woke 9-year-old Salvatore out of bed to watch the last 10:00. Holding on with our last gasps of breath until the final buzzer, the US withstood everything from the Russians until five, four, three, two, one....... and the most famous call in sports history from Al Michaels.
"DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES? YESSSSSSSSSSSS"
Life changed forever. What if they did not get me out of bed that night?
46 years later to the day, Jack Hughes scored at 1:41 of overtime to give the Americans a heart-pounding 2-1 overtime win versus Canada, and Team USA's first gold medal since the 1980 Miracle on Ice. Not only that, but days earlier the USA Women's National Team, on the heels of a memorable move from Megan Keller, scored also versus Canada at 4:07 into overtime to give the Women gold by the same 2-1 overtime score.
Team USA Men and Women are golden!!!
These are the kind of sporting moments through the eyes of young boys and girls that they will remember forever. Like 1980, which inspired a whole new generation of hockey fans—myself included—and players, 2026 will do the same. The big difference now as compared to 1980 is that there is more access to the game than ever. Skates, sneakers, or both. The game is now truly for everyone, and kids have more access and resources than we ever had. This is just one of many reasons the pure excitement of hockey makes it the greatest sport in the world.
My hope is that you tell your children, if they are into sports, how important this moment is. I hope they can take in the significance of this rare special time in US sports history and that I can light an even brighter flame in that inspiration. Join us in 2026, starting with our first ball hockey league later this year and our free Grow the Game event with USA Ball Hockey on July 18th. Your future is golden.
— Coach Salvatore Ippolito
Emerald City Ball Hockey
"Hockey is for everybody"
The Time is Now: Building Greater Seattle's First Ever Youth Ball Hockey League 🏒
In 2026, we're planning to launch the Greater Seattle area's first-ever youth ball hockey league—an inclusive, high-energy program where kids can compete, grow, and fall in love with the game. Fill out our interest form to help us gauge demand and build the league you want!
Seattle Selected! Exclusive FREE USA Ball Hockey Clinic
Attention Emerald City Ball Hockey families and all Greater Seattle young hockey fans.
Each year, USA Ball Hockey selects only 3–4 cities across the entire country to host their official free "Grow the Game" Youth Ball Hockey Clinic. We are incredibly proud to announce that Greater Seattle has been chosen as one of those select cities – and Emerald City Ball Hockey has been selected as the local partner to host this special event!
On Saturday, July 18th from 10am to 1pm, Emerald City Ball Hockey and USA Ball Hockey will bring this nationally recognized program to the Greater Seattle community for a one-of-a-kind, completely FREE youth ball hockey experience. Location is coming soon.
This clinic is open to boys and girls ages 4–13 (4-6, 7-9, and 10-13) welcoming ALL experience levels – from first-time beginners to seasoned players. Open to all current ECBH players and non-ECBH players ready to experience the power of the next great youth sport and be a part of our growing community.
Every Participant Receives FREE Gear!
Thanks to the amazing support of our sponsor Knapper USA, every child who attends will receive:
- A FREE hockey stick
- A FREE ball
- A FREE "Grow the Game" jersey
Our Mission
- Knock down barriers to hockey
- Promote youth health and wellness
- Create an inclusive and welcoming environment
- Introduce new families to the sport
- Build excitement for the future of ball hockey in Seattle
This event is also a preview and springboard of exciting things to come as we continue working toward launching the official Emerald City Ball Hockey youth league in the near future.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, July 18th, 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Ages: 4-6, 7-9, 10-13
- Location: TBD (announcement coming soon!)
- Cost: FREE
Spots are limited, and this event is expected to fill FAST.
We are honored that USA Ball Hockey has chosen our city and our program to lead this initiative. Message Coach Salvatore on our contact page or email coachsalecf@gmail.com
Emerald City Ball Hockey Welcomes Chase Lake Elementary
Emerald City Ball Hockey is excited to announce our new school partnership with Chase Lake Elementary School, of the Edmonds School District. Launching a six-week after-school ball hockey enrichment program to students beginning February 2026 with a special thank you to the Seattle Kraken Power Play Program and One Roof Foundation. We are anticipating high participation and we are excited to raise awareness of ball hockey to new students.
Growing Demand for ECBH and New Youth Sport Activities
This partnership highlights the continued growing demand for ECBH and the need for new youth sport activities across Greater Seattle, as families continue to look for fun, active, affordable, and inclusive programs that keep kids moving and engaged while learning other skills and making new friends. Emerald City Ball Hockey is leading the way.
More schools and families are turning to Emerald City Ball Hockey for a new youth sport experience that is easily accessible and welcoming to everyone. Our programs are designed for boys and girls of all ages and skill levels, making hockey available without the traditional barriers of ice, skating, expensive equipment, and a never-ending schedule.
Chase Lake Elementary students will learn the fundamentals of ball hockey while building confidence, teamwork, coordination, and sportsmanship—skills that support both physical and mental development. Things you can expect in every ECBH Ball Hockey program. Each partnership allows us to create meaningful impact by offering high-quality after-school sports enrichment that supports students, families, and school communities.
Who's Next? Bring Emerald City Ball Hockey to Your Community
Looking for new youth sport activities for after-school sports programs at your school, district, parks and recreation, boys and girls club, church or other?
📩 Reach out to Coach Salvatore on our contact page to learn more about the hottest growing youth ball hockey program in Greater Seattle—to learn how we can bring a fun, inclusive, and high-energy hockey experience to your students.
Emerald City Ball Hockey Partners with Knapper USA
Big news, ECBH family! We're beyond excited to officially announce Emerald City Ball Hockey's affiliate partnership with Knapper USA, the leading ball hockey equipment company in the world.
Knapper isn't just another brand—they're the gold standard in ball hockey. Their gear is trusted and worn by most ball hockey organizations around the globe, from grassroots programs like ours to elite international competition. Partnering with Knapper means our players get access to top-tier equipment designed specifically for ball hockey, not repurposed ice hockey gear.
Why Knapper?
From shin guards and gloves to helmets, Knapper equipment is known for:
- Lightweight comfort that keeps players fast and agile
- High-level safety and protection designed for the ball hockey game
- Modern style kids love to wear
- Durability that holds up to hard play and long seasons
As Emerald City Ball Hockey continues to grow, some safety equipment will be mandatory for participation in the future ECBH League, ensuring consistency, protection, and the best possible playing experience for every player. And honestly—there's no better place to get your first (or next) set of ball hockey gear. No more taking hockey balls to the legs, no more accidental injuries. You can now play and progress your ball hockey experience with confidence. Used by Coach Salvatore.
Classes, League, or Both—We've Got You Covered
Click our ECBH affiliate link and use code ECBH85 at checkout to receive 10% off your purchase.
We're proud to align with a brand that shares our vision of growing the game, keeping kids safe, and making ball hockey the best experience possible. This is just another big step forward for the Emerald City Ball Hockey community—and we're just getting started.
Pick up your shin guards, gloves, elbow pads and more. Let's play!
BRING BALL HOCKEY TO YOUR SCHOOL
Fill Out Our Interest Form Today
Is your school, community center, Boys & Girls Club, or youth organization looking for an exciting new after-school enrichment program? Emerald City Ball Hockey brings the fast-paced fun of hockey to students in grades 2-5 through engaging six-week sessions.
We're partnering with schools and organizations across the Greater Seattle area—from Everett to Bellevue and everywhere in between. Our programs focus on skill development, teamwork, and getting kids active while reducing screen time.
Ready to learn more? Fill out our quick Interest Form to get the conversation started. We'll reach out to discuss how we can bring ball hockey to your community and answer any questions you have about our programs.
Emerald City
Ball Hockey
Hockey for Every Kid. Across Seattle and the Surrounding Area.
Emerald City Ball Hockey brings the fun and fast-paced energy of ball hockey to local schools through after-school programs and community events. We’re on a mission to get kids moving, reduce screen time, and grow the game—one school, one league, and one goal at a time.
Special thanks to
USA Ball Hockey for their support!
