Brooks’ continued recognition well deserved

By Chuck Grillo

Another honor was bestowed on Herb Brooks recently with his induction into the Olympic Hall of Fame.  It’s an honor especially noteworthy because there aren’t many stories equal to that of the well-documented Miracle on Ice.

Herb's coaching efforts are especially appreciated by those who are enjoying careers in the NHL.  The Miracle on Ice opened the doors for a lot of Americans, including players, management, coaching, scouting and support staffs, to advance to hockey’s highest level.

To some of us, this is a way to fulfill the dream we had as players, and it wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the success of this group of Americans.  Their victory in Lake Placid opened doors that were previously closed.

Someone had to engineer this Miracle.  Herbert Paul Brooks is forever in the minds of those who have been given the opportunity to be part of that team and the NHL.  Knowing Herb, he would have preferred that the entire team, along with his support staff, be inducted into the Olympic Hall of Fame.

You only need to witness the love shared amongst the Miracle members to realize the brilliance of Herbie.  It has impacted the way we feel about our peers and the players we work with in the game today.  At his funeral, we were witness to these same players content to stand hours in line to pay their respects to their leader.  Like their leader, they didn’t expect special treatment because of their accomplishments (another special trait Herb instilled in his players).

There are lessons to be learned from the Miracle on Ice story.  Many of them led to a gold medal on the ice, but more led to success stories after hockey.  Those lessons epitomize Herbie's foundation as a person and his bottom-line qualities.

He was a very detailed person, one who cared about his colleagues, peers, players and people in general.  He had a passion for life and the game that can be matched, but not beat. Herb had an in-your-face, tell-you-what-you-don't-want-to-hear style of coaching.  This was Herb's way of telling you he cared about you - something every parent should crave for their children and athletes.

He also had a mind that paralleled the NHL’s most brilliant coaches.  He was a master psychologist while constantly testing your resolve as an athlete and person.  Herb's Miracle team grew from adversity.

The only tragedy that surrounds the Miracle on Ice team is that Herbie is no longer with us.  There’s no question he had more to contribute to our society and the game.