Uncredited/Associated Press
After holding onto memorabilia from the famous "Miracle On Ice" game for 35 years, 1980 United States Olympic hockey goalie Jim Craig is ready to sell it all in a unique auction.
According to ESPN.com's Darren Rovell, the clutch goaltender who helped Team USA beat the heavily favored Soviet Union and eventually win the gold medal is selling a 19-item lot for $5.7 million through Lelands.com.
Among the pieces of history Craig is selling are his gold medal, his jersey from the "Miracle On Ice" game, the American flag he held after Team USA won gold and most of the equipment he wore during the 1980 Winter Games, including his mask, as seen in these photos courtesy of Rovell:
Per Rovell, the 58-year-old Olympic hockey legend explained the reasoning behind his decision to sell the belongings after so many years:
For the past 35 years, these items have been at the Hockey Hall of Fame, the Boston Sports Museum, the New York Sports Museum and I think we've done a good job showing them because this moment was so big that I truly believe everyone was a part of it. But after the 35th anniversary (this February), and after our teammate Bobby Suter died, I thought it was important to be responsible with these pieces to grow and protect the legacy for my family.
Those with enough money to buy the one-of-a-kind collection likely couldn't be more excited about the opportunity, while many who can't afford it would undoubtedly love to get their hands on it, including CNBC's Brian Shactman:
The 1980 "Miracle On Ice" team is not only significant within the sport of hockey, but it is also a huge part of American history because of what its win over the Soviets represented socially and politically.
Craig was arguably the most important figure on that team, and he has been lauded for his accomplishments ever since.
The Massachusetts native will now allow someone else to enjoy the spoils of his victory, and while it is tough to put a price on memorabiliafrom such a seminal moment, he'll be compensated handsomely for the collectibles.
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