Olympic hero Craig to speak at Robertson Cup banquet

The Wenatchee Wild has announced that Jim Craig, the starting goalie on the 1980 U.S. Olympic gold medal “Miracle on Ice” hockey team, will serve as the keynote speaker at the Robertson Cup Banquet on May 3 at the Town Toyota Center.
 
Craig was an All-American goalie at Boston University and a member of the Terriers’ 1978 NCAA championship team. His performance at the Lake Placid Games is legendary. Against the heavily favored Soviet Union, Craig made 39 saves on 42 shots and the U.S. held on for an improbable 4-3 victory. The U.S. went on to defeat Finland, 4-2, to win the gold medal.
 
Following the Lake Placid Games, Craig went on to play in the NHL with the Atlanta Flames, Boston Bruins and Minnesota North Stars.

Craig and Wild president Bill Stewart were teammates on the 1983-84 Salt Lake Golden Eagles, a member club of the Central Hockey League (CHL) and farm team of the Minnesota North Stars.
 
Craig suffered an injury while playing for the North Stars during the 1983-84 season that ended his professional career. After his playing days, Craig went on to a successful career in marketing and sales. He launched Gold Medal Strategies in 2007 and, today, travels the country as a motivational speaker and teamwork coach.
 
“I speak all over the country for many different organizations, and speaking to young student-athletes, especially fellow hockey players, always bring me particular joy and satisfaction,” said Craig. “I was where they are. I know the focus and hard work necessary to reach one’s potential as a student-athlete, and I try to direct and inspire young people to make the commitment to success.”
 
NAHL commissioner Mark Frankenfeld is also scheduled to speak at the Robertson Cup Banquet. In addition, Craig Patrick, the assistant coach of the 1980 U.S. Olympic team and part of the Wild ownership group, is planning to attend the banquet. The NAHL year-end awards will also be presented at the banquet.
 
“I’m eager to speak at the Robertson Cup Banquet to help out and support two former teammates of mine who have given tremendously of themselves to and for the game of hockey, and whose passion and labor have strengthened the game: Craig Patrick, a member of the ‘First Family of Hockey’ and assistant coach of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team; and Wenatchee Wild president Bill Stewart,” Craig added.
 
The Wild is accepting table sponsors for the Robertson Cup Banquet for only $300. Banquet table sponsors receive the following:

- Six (6) seats at one (1) Robertson Cup Banquet table
- Two (2) guest players randomly selected from all participating Robertson Cup teams to sit at the table
- Six (6) tickets to opening night of the Robertson Cup (End Section seats)
- A savings of $110 off of the value of the $410 package

Sponsor your Robertson Cup Banquet table by calling the Wild at (509) 888-7825.

For more information on the Robertson Cup Championship Tournament, visit RobertsonCup.com.
 
Jim Craig’s biographical information provided by Gold Medal Strategies.