MARK JOHNSON | THE MIRACLE ON ICE

The entire world was watching as the United States took on the Soviet Union in the 1980 Winter Olympics - the Miracle on Ice. Mark John went on to win a gold medal, play in the NHL and coach for the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s women’s ice hockey team, but despite all the success, something was still missing. Mark needed to rediscover his faith.
WATCH MORE STORIES LIKE MARK’S HERE: www.nextstepministries.com/films
FOLLOW US:
Instagram: / nextstepbuzz
Website: nextstepministries.com/
Facebook: / nextstepmissiontrips
#miracleonice #markjohnson #wisconsinbadgershockey

[@05chmps]

Was not expecting that from this video. Mark was the quiet, good-looking, baby-faced player that also happened to be our best goal scorer. It's nice to see that he has found peace in his life. A pretty rare thing.

[@cryptohalloffame]

rare indeed, even the godmen in this world struggle to find it

[@dannyboy4866]

As a Massachusetts hockey player at 10 years old....the whole family huddled around a small black and white tv. The fire burning, the dog in the corner. Pops and mom were hurtin with the economy........Iran, etc.... It was perhaps the best moment I can remember, except for the birth of my daughter . We stayed up most of the night, not knowing what would become. The single most important moment in American sports history. I will never forget Feb. 22, 1980. Thank you boys and god rest Mr. Herb Brooks. I will always remember (I dont know who) but he flung his stick up into the stands during the countdown to the gold medal......and the boys on the podium....pure magic.

[@mattygates1]

Mark Johnson 2 goals in the greatest moment sports history. Thank you for being you.

[@MichaelWorobec-pd3cn]

9:56 Thank you!!!

[@hollywoodjoe123]

Yes indeed the U.S. Men's Winter Olympic Hockey Team were well trained - -Sheer skill - - great players- - no lack of professionalism - No " miracle on ice " - Give them credit already -

[@RaineriHakkarainen]

Soviet League goal scoring leaders were in 1980 1:Shalimov 34 goals 2:Drotzdetzky 31 3:Varnakov 30 4:Priodin 27 5:Lavrentjev only one was in 1980 olympics Makarov 29! Lake Placid had good players like Jari Kurri Peter Stastny Glenn Anderson Neal Broten!, NHL points leaders after olympics 1980 were Gretzky Kurri Glenn Anderson Peter Stastny Neal Broten! Canada have 650000 hockey players!, USA have 500000 hockey players! Russia have only 80000 hockey players! USA have 6xtimes More players than Russia so USA should be the favourite over Russia in 2026 6xtimes!!

[@DRMVM1]

What a story of being born again ! God has a plan for each of us! Let it happen!

[@Hoss5678]

Mark Johnson....one second that changed everything.........

[@markmiller3210]

Yes - pulling over on the side of the road and asking Jesus into your life.

[@touey62]

Amazing to hear his stroy and his journey to God. The 1980 Miracle game gives me goosebumpbs everytime!

[@keepersleeker]

What a great message. God Bless you Mark! USA! USA!

[@jonathanegrie3337]

Best Decision you ever made Mark. Nothing like having Jesus walking with you.

[@Cheryltwin2012]

Thank you so much for your testimony, Mark! You know, I saw a documentary on that 1980 Olympic team and the narrator described Mark this way: "He has the physique of a 15-year-old and the heart of a lion." That's pretty accurate, I think. Watching the actual game footage of Mark's goal that tied the game at 3-3, he had to be at the right place at the right time. I still remember where I was when we won that game. I was on the couch at my parents' house recuperating from pleurisy. I was nineteen and would have crushed on any of the boys on that team! I'm so happy for you that you gave your life to Christ.

[@DemocratsareagentsofSATAN]

On February 22nd 1980, Mark Johnson was the best hockey player in the world! PS...i love how Mark acknowledges the last 10 min of the game was what months of being relentlessly pushed by Coach Brooks was all about...

[@joplinwhitney833]

I was on a Hockey team with a Herb Brooks style coach. For 3 years we over performed, my Senior year we had a players coach, we were supposed to win it all and we lost in the quarterfinals.. hmmmm

[@robtolley1647]

Me as well Herb understood that conditioning is the difference when the clock is ticking down

[@bestoutcomes]

Had I known it was going to be a religious clip I'd not have watched it. But am glad I did. It was cool seeing his office and the line of pucks that hold significance, and the Gold Medal that I watched his team win -- when he was interviewed back then, after they beat Finland and won the gold, he credited the team for the win not any focus on himself, yet he was instrumental in those wins. This is the mark (pun not intended) of a great man/ person as well as an honorable athlete, to put the credit on the team not oneself. He'll always have my respect for that and his level of performance and consistency. I watched those games in 1980 and it's hard to believe it's been 40 years.

[@fredroks63]

I have had Wisconsin women's hockey season tickets for 8 yrs and did not know that Mark Johnson was a believer. Cool Beans! On Wisconsin!

[@tamilazzaro2145]

What an awesome story! Thanks Mark for sharing a part of your life. See you in Heaven!

[@corylombard]

Mark Johnson is amazing...glad he dialed in God.

[@jeffcuillo6459]

Love you brother Mark!!!!!!!!

[@williammoseley17]

Still get the goosebumps when Al shouts "Do you believe in miracles"

[@Billy_the_Greek]

Me too

[@holoholopainen1627]

40 Years of Goosebumps !

[@petelangworth1024]

Tears of joy every-f'ing-time I watch the replay of those moments. The best sports moment in history and I have seen a lot.

[@kja9881]

Most historic call ever in American and World sports history!

[@coachhiggs]

Kinda gets forgotten, but Mark Johnson was a great hockey player...literally a world class player at that time. Best player on that team.

[@kluc5858]

A great testimony to the grace and power of God through Christ who saves and changes lives. Exciting to see God working through Mark's life and ministry as he continues to touch and change lives for God.

[@tallyho96]

When I opened this video I never expected to hear what I heard. It’s been revelatory. Thank you.

[@SkyDiverCanada]

was awesome!

[@osimnod]

Oh, what a revelation! Thank you, Mark, for sharing your journey of discovery and acceptance of His Grace. My brother played with you at UW under your father, "Badger Bob", with Mike Eaves and Steve Alley. Nothing compares to knowing Christ - "the peace of mind that passes all human understanding".

[@johncritch6812]

Greatest hockey game of all time.

[@stephenfricke9298]

Game ALL TIME

[@bradleyhart2492]

God bless you Mr. Johnson...and thank you for such great memories.

[@-louie9728]

I hope that before i leave this earth, i am able to look Mark in the eye for the first time and say ''thank you''.

[@kevinwarren5385]

Awesome, thanks Brother for the testimony!

[@Hendrix-Jimi]

In one word....Beautiful !

[@davidfurry2264]

Amen. Thank you Mr. Johnson. 20 minutes at a time.

[@guardianangel138]

AMEN Brother..... we trust in the Lord... i always read scriptures and set out to his will... even sometimes when we dont understand fully his plan... great stuff...

[@romeofthewing9626]

God is Great Mr. Johnson. Thank you. God Bless.

[@todesque]

Wow! So beautiful you just want to cry. One of the most touching things I’ve seen in a long long time.

[@TheBrightSounds]

What a great story and testimony. Just wonderful.

[@randypendleton2529]

Thank you sooo much Mark for sharing. We shared the same ice at you Father’s Hockey camp in Aspen. I was probably 5-7 years your junior. Your Father was instrumental in instilling in me a love for the game. As he always said, “It’s a GREAT day for hockey!” Thank you for sharing your faith in Christ! He Truly can be trusted. All the best!

[@bpm5403]

So great to hear that Mark is a Christian.

[@brianathern9154]

Incredible story and journey for Mark Johnson. Didn't know about his time after the Olympics and asking Jesus into his life. Ezplains a lot about him. Highly accomplished in his field but yet humble. Just made the 1980 Miracle story that much better for me

[@jeffreyjacobs390]

God bless, Mark ! Thank you for your witnessing .... Indeed The Word needs to be spread - kudos. jj

[@lalaLAX219]

Wow! What a powerful testimony. Sharing this with athletes I know

[@dnoxon59]

Such a great story of belief and trust and commitment... in a hockey sense as well as finding a path with Christ.

[@bonniepeterson9579]

Wow. I really needed to hear that! Thank you!

[@gregfratz6302]

Thanks for sharing Mark. Let the plan happen, God really does test us.

[@markdemell8056]

No he does not really test us , but sometimes he will watch and let one learn a hard lesson ! The LORD won,t let one stand more than one can bear!

[@jerryharmon9447]

Wow! Just awesome! Praise the Lord.

[@gerryfimiani4504]

Very Powerful, Thanks for sharing!!!!!!!!!!

[@ddogjones8677]

Love this. Thank you Mark. Very Cool! Amen my brother. Amen!

[@johnclunan4488]

I wasn't aware of his Dad or him being involved in the '76 team. I had a high school buddy who was the youngest player & perhaps the best player on that team. Mark was rock solid and perhaps the best player on the ice for the Russian game. I watched the entire game again over the weekend and was still anxious up until the end. Best sporting event of all time!!! It was special to hear of Mark's believe and peace when finding God. Find someone who you can trust, boy is that ever an issue today. Amazing guy!!

[@toddhaseloff8645]

Thanks for the Great testimony and great memories. Jesus Christ King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

[@micjam1986]

There's an old scripture that goes "Taste and see, the Lord is good!" Its a challenge followed by a promise. Glad to hear you'll be there Mark.. see you at the big table! :)

[@johncritch6812]

Greatest game I've ever seen !

[@sjwoz]

Great man, great message.

[@ernieenesi6260]

Thank you for sharing your testimony sir.....God Bless.

[@literallyshaking8019]

His (literally) last second goal to close out the first half was the most important in the match. The Soviets pulled the best goalie in the world because of it, and the rest is history.

[@user-rn6hr1qw3l]

Amen brother man Amen!!!!!!!!!!!!Trust the Lord with all of your mind body and soul , God Bless you ALL!!!!!!

[@mtbiker4life918]

I have surrounded to God, I no longer fight him. I joined a church mens group, and attend church every Sunday. I've tried every way but his way, because his way was boring and tough. Living in sin will be exposed at some point. The devil wants you alone, anti social, broke secretive, and constantly worried. I treat my ability to make money as a gift, not as power. Delayed gratification is something I was never taught, and now I live by it. God brought me to this video, and I'm seeing more and more people turn to him and follow his path.

[@corylombard]

I am an AmericanRussian...I was thrilled when we won...Russia is very different these days...not the cutting edge..research can tell you...they had great ski people in the 70s...the y were all taking Rhodiola...oxygen uptake to the brain and mental clarity...HELLO SNOW SLOPE.

[@TheBlackRuffles]

God Bless you Sir!!! Best Regards from a Catholic guy!!

[@aaronbischoff721]

I remember seeing Mark at my middle school in Fitchburg, WI in 2004 when he did an Olympic tournament with the Athens Games going on and talked about the miracle game. He confirmed everything that the movie did was correct (with some changes the director made for a better product). Seems like a well rounded kind of guy and glad to see him coach the women’s team and have peace in his life

[@frankzorro7353]

The ice miracle on feb. 22 was the eve of my 19 th b.d. I was at work and telling people that I didn’t want to hear the score. After that shift, in front of my 19” console, barely colorful boobtube, I witnessed the greatest performance ever.

[@merrittorius]

What a testimony from Mr Johnson. Ty

[@brianlandis3461]

AWESOME! Thanks for it all, Mark!

[@mr19471985]

A real blessing to hear what Mark has to say about how God reached him, a blessing to HIS story.

[@kja9881]

Mark Johnson a complete team player! Team Jesus!!

[@baronvonlooksmann5569]

Mark "Magic" Johnson

[@brianide3770]

I was 14 years old and this moment was a turning point in my life. I was old enough to know how crazy the time was around the world and this cemented the proudness of being an American. The only other time I felt that proud was while serving in the U.S Navy. Unfortunately the current administration has me embarrassed to be American.

[@dansantarsiero1526]

Great testimony!

[@RICHARDINTHEKITCHEN]

Thanks Mark

[@mattmyren6720]

Great story, sending love to Mark and everyone. That peace in your life is more valuable than a hockey game or any goal ever scored.

[@kja9881]

Thank you sir, I will pray about this!

[@gillrowley7264]

HOLY COW, I REMEBER THAT PA CALL!! I was a lowly freshman back then.

[@thehaughtcorner]

Quality, quality individual and a terrific player. No gold medal without him. Eruzione gets the noise for scoring the winning goal; that's fine. But it doesn't happen without Mark Johnson's TWO goals and solid play.

[@user-ef6kl7ou1w]

What a wonderful story. Finding faith is definitely a game changer 🙏.

[@twayaware506]

I love you Mark Johnson. Thank you for sharing your joy and road with us.

[@dariosabbatini7661]

FORZA SAIMA.. Great Mark!

[@markdemell8056]

Good message Mark Johnson!

[@jeffreyadams8345]

There are a lot of people in this building that dont know the difference between a blue line and a clothesline, it's irrelevant, Micheals was incredible announcer, and if course his final call do you believe in miracles, priceless

[@stephenfricke9298]

In my opinion, I really love football, Rugby and of course HOCKEY, the Greatest game Hockey or any game EVER played!

[@jf9096]

Awesome..... period

[@CrazyCoach]

Wow, does he look like his dad, and great testimony.

[@Secret-uw5ky]

Beautiful message!

[@richardscore2923]

This guy never quit, motor was always running full steam..

[@MVuke84]

"I'm sure some people do not know the difference between a blue line, and a close line, it doesn't matter." Lol.. How can you dislike thee Al Michael's

[@mega13man1]

Enjoyed Mark's time as a Pittsburgh Penguin too

[@carpetclimber4027]

Some interesting stuff: It was Swedish coach Westberg, coaching the Netherlands, that taught Brooks how to beat the Russians tactically.

[@bestoutcomes]

Interesting! I'll look this up to see what I may find. Not that I question your word. But wanting to know more. Having watched the games in 1980, at age 17, it had a profound impact on me across many levels. Much later in life, in my 30's I became a coach myself. Everything about those games, the team, the players, and their coach, still to this day intrigues me and so this is something I'd love to know the details about and appreciate this insight. I had assumed it was just a matter of Brooks' intensive analysis of the USSR"s playing patterns during their reign as Olympic Gold Medalists x 4 consecutive opportunities.

[@burgcarli929]

Mark is looking more and more like his old man, the great "Badger Bob".

[@chriskay1449]

And Mark has now become the all-time coaching leader in NCAA National Hockey Championships. He coaches like his old man did too.

[@Slapshot59]

That is beautiful. I had no idea until now that Mark Johnson was a Christian. Wonderful testimony. I gather the NJ Devil Goalie to whom he referred was Chico Resch?

[@user-uu2tz9jr7k]

God bless!

[@jameszannino9404]

I believe the Lord speaks to us when we least expect it a billboard sign a video that you never expected. I pray everyday prices in my life but yet sometimes I still struggle I thank God but I could hear him can't see him in ways that if I did give my life to Christ I would never hear or see him hi my conscience. There are no coincidences in life. I never expected what I heard and saw in the video and what I got out of it was the Lord was talking to me. Thanks Mark and praise God.

[@scrag2841]

Very nice video, it is inspirational!!

[@TheNewsstandMan]

Exceptional.

[@Frank-se3dg]

Great advice. Thank you.. USA...

[@Sylonth]

Jesus is such a good guy!

[@BBQFanNo1]

Praise the Lord! This is another of the many most powerful inspiring testimonies what Jesus Christ can do. Whenever everything seems so most bleak and down in the world today these type of testimonies God in His grace can use to cultivate seeds of faith. God knows that every human soul can have potential in His Son Jesus Christ no matter what the individuals background or status is in the world.

[@tomotoole8475]

Thanks Mark for the gold medal and how do u become a true christin, because I am missing something in my life

[@crockett773]

Simply ask Jesus to come into your life.

[@brianmacklin8625]

Yes God does work in different ways. The two best hockey games I know of is one when number 4 Bobby Orr scored the goal and dove on the ice for the Stanley Cup win. Number 2 is 1980 USA men's hockey team

[@phillipgoodyear4196]

Great shot, pal.

[@cityofchamps66]

The greatest sports upset(that no one watched live)

[@holoholopainen1627]

I Think that in Europe & Russia - The Game was Live ! This was such an Important Game - and to fill in The Night time TV of Lake Placid ! Most People work at Daytime - so Games were at Our Night ( 7 hours ahead of NYC ) ! After Russia came FINLAND Game on Sunday ! This was even BIGGER for US !

[@reesewahl5488]

Amen thank you sir! Reese Wahl

[@reesewahl5488]

Ill skate ur shoes walk the walk thnank you

[@kelsimorrison1222]

I subscribed

[@jmweed1861]

Mark Johnson was by Far the Best Player on that team. Herb Brooks told him that the team could ONLY go as far as he could carry them, as a natural goal scorer. The question was whether his dad, Badger Bob woukd let him play for Herb Brooks. In 1976, Brooks did Not let a number of Gopher Players play for Bob in the 1976 Olympics. Herb Brooks and Bob Johnson Hated each other, just because of their rivally in the WCHA. Wisconsin won the NCAA Championship in 1978 when Mark was a Sophomore..

[@martinpatrick9915]

Badger Bob,the former coach of the Flames,his son Mark.

[@Nick-NY]

✝️

[@jared838]

I had no clue that he was going to talk about the Lord. Jesus Christ loves everyone who is watching this. Repent of your sin and put your trust in Him. This world is just a vapor. Our last breath could be in seconds. We are not promised another second. Remember He loves you and want's a relationship with you.

[@hattiem.7966]

Sergei Grinkov died at that rink.I visited and walked on the oval where Eric Heiden won his 5 golds which was bigger than the hockey team.I know most won't agree with me.Eric won those on his own.See. if Jordan Stolz wins just as many in Milan in 2026?

[@martinpatrick9915]

The arena of the Badgers is named after Badger Bob Johnson.

[@Joe-rw1bb]

Sometimes there are things god can’t even help.

[@donemigholzjr.7344]

The power of prayer and the ability of Jesus to save is a great foundation of a belief system but there is much more to a viable, working belief system that is comforting once the question is defined.