ECHL Toledo Walleye

Mike Eruzione Returns To Toledo

February 16, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Toledo Walleye News Release


(Toledo, Ohio) Mike Miller the Vice President and General Manager of the Toledo Storm of the ECHL announced today that they have reached an agreement with Mike Eruzione to appear at the Toledo Storm game against Reading on March 17, 2004.

Mike Miller, Vice President and General Manager of the Toledo Storm, said, "We are very proud to have someone of Mike's stature coming into Toledo to meet with our great fans. He is a terrific person who is very excited to be coming back to a place where he has many fond memories. What Mike did for United States hockey is incomparable when you reflect back to that moment in 1980. The effects are still felt today. I cannot explain what having Mike here in Toledo means to our organization and the community. This will make for a special night."

Mike Eruzione, the captain of the 1980 United States Gold Medal Hockey Team, scored the game-winning goal to defeat the then Soviet Union 4-3. Sport Illustrated called that win "The Greatest Sports Moment of the Century." Eruzione served as a consultant for the movie "Miracle" which is currently playing in theaters. Mike has been named to the Olympic, U.S. Hockey, Boston University, and National Italian-American Hall of Fames over his career.

Mike spent three years playing hockey with Boston University of the NCAA. After graduating with a degree in Education in 1976, Eruzione joined the U.S. Olympic Hockey team. Mike would join the Toledo Goaldiggers of the International Hockey League for the 1977-78 season appearing in 76 games and scoring 30 goals while assisting on 56 others. Eruzione won the IHL's Ken McKenzie Award in 1977-78, which was given to the most outstanding American born hockey player. The following season would see Mike play in 74 contests for the Goaldiggers, netting 27 goals and added 45 assists. In 1979-80, Mike would play solely for the U.S. Olympic Team. Eruzione would appear in 50 games with 21 goals and 25 assists.

Following the 1980 Olympics, Eruzione moved into the broadcasting field with stints with the National Hockey League's New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils. He also served as a broadcaster for the 1984, 1988, 1992 and 1994 winter Olympics. Mike is a motivational speaker and also helps fund raising for the U. S. Olympic committee. Eruzione helps numerous charities and youth organizations. Currently Mike works at his alma mater, Boston University, as the Director for Development of Athletics.

**Please Note that the official start time of the March 17, 2004 game against the Reading Royals will be moved from 7pm to 7:30pm.**

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