Before they were coaching “rivals” in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, before they were gold medalists on the “Miracle on Ice” team, before they’d begun a friendship that has stretched almost four decades, Mark Johnson and John Harrington were opponents sizing up each other on the rink.
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The U.S. men's hockey team rushes toward goalie Jim Craig after a 4-3 upset win over the Soviet Union in a medal-round match at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, N.Y. Wisconsin women's hockey coach Mark Johnson (10) is seen to the left of the goal and, to his left, is Minnesota State coach John Harrington.
Photos: 1980 Miracle on Ice US men's Olympic hockey team
Mark Johnson scores against Soviet goalie Vladislav Tretjak during their medal-round game at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, N.Y.
The U.S. men's hockey team celebrates its gold medal victory over Finland, 4-2, at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, N.Y.
A fan runs across the ice carrying a U.S. flag as the U.S. and Soviet men's hockey teams shake hands after the U.S. won the playoff round, 4-3 at 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, N.Y.
Members of the U.S. men's hockey team get advice from coach Herb Brooks during a break of their workout session at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, N.Y.
Members of the 1980 U.S. ice hockey team pose for photos after a 2015 "Relive the Miracle" reunion at Herb Brooks Arena in Lake Placid, N.Y. Every surviving member of the hockey team returned to the hockey rink on Main Street they made famous with one of the most memorable upsets in sports history.
The U.S. men's hockey team pounces on goalie Jim Craig after a 4-3 victory against the Soviets during the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, N.Y.
Members of the U.S. men's hockey team stand on the ice during the playing of the National Anthem at the awards ceremonies during the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, N.Y.
U.S., Swedish and Soviet men's hockey teams line up to receive their Olympic medals during the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, N.Y.
U.S. coach Herb Brooks looks on from the bench during the closing minutes of the semifinal game against the Soviets during the 1980 Winter Olympic Games in Lake Placid, N.Y.
U.S. goalie James Craig leaps high in the air at the final second of the Americans' 4-3 win over the Soviets at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, N.Y.
U.S. goalie James Craig, framed by teammates David Christian, left, and John Harrington, right, tries to get to his feet during a game against Sweden during the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, N.Y.
Romania goalie Valerian Netetu deflects the puck with the butt of his stick as U.S. forward John Harrington tries to control it during their game at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, N.Y.
U.S. men's hockey players Michael Eruzione, from left, Phil Verchota, John Harrington and Bob Suter play foosball in the game room of the Olympic village during the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, N.Y.
Buzz Schneider of the 1980 U.S. men's hockey team, second from right, speaks during a 2015 "Relive the Miracle" reunion at Herb Brooks Arena in Lake Placid, N.Y. Teammates John Harrington, Phil Verchota and Rob McClanahan enjoy the story.
John Harrington of the 1980 U.S. men's hockey team speaks during a 2015 "Relive the Miracle" reunion at Herb Brooks Arena in Lake Placid, N.Y.
U.S. men's hockey players Mark Johnson, left and Bill Baker, right, battle the Soviet Union's Vladimir Petrov for the puck during a medal-round game at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, N.Y.
Soviet goalie Vladislav Tretiak hits the ice as the puck goes into the net on a shot by Mark Johnson during the closing moments of the first period in their game at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, N.Y.
Mark Johnson of the 1980 U.S. men's hockey team speaks during a 2015 "Relive the Miracle" reunion at Herb Brooks Arena in Lake Placid, N.Y.
Mark Johnson of the 1980 U.S. ice hockey team stands on stage during a 2015 "Relive the Miracle" reunion at Herb Brooks Arena in Lake Placid, N.Y.
Mark Johnson stands over Finland's goalie Jorma Valtonen after he scored the United States' fourth goal during their game at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, N.Y.
U.S. goalie James Craig and Mark Johnson react to their 4-2 win over Finland during the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, N.Y.
The U.S. men's hockey team rushes toward goalie Jim Craig after a 4-3 upset win over the Soviet Union in a medal-round match at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, N.Y. Wisconsin women's hockey coach Mark Johnson (10) is seen to the left of the goal and, to his left, is Minnesota State coach John Harrington.
