From the player that was named for this man, to the legend himself, Herb Brooks is a man that belongs on any hockey list. Although his coaching legacy was short lived with the Pittsburgh Penguins, it cannot be forgotten what Brooks has done to the game of hockey itself.
It is well known that Herb Brooks coached the 1980 US Olympic Hockey team in Lake Placid. It is also well known that he coached the team that beat the Soviets in the Miracle on Ice. Lastly, it is also well known that could be the greatest moment in sports history. However, it may be less well known that he helped coached the Penguins in the 1999-2000 campaign.
This comes as a gigantic year in Pittsburgh Penguins history. This was a year that Jaromir Jagr continued his dominant legacy as the leagues top scorer. This was also the year that the line of Kovalev, Straka, and Lang combined for over 250 pts that season. It was the year of the Moose with Johan Hedberg minding the net. Lastly, it was the return of Mario Lemieux. Herb Brooks was behind the bench for that historic year and led his Penguins deep in the playoffs beating the Capitals and the Sabres in dramatic fashion.
Also, Herb was a Penguins head scout for almost 10 years before the day of his passing. His contributions to the organization were highly appreciated as the Penguins looked to improve their squad year after year in the late 90’s.
Another fact that is not as well known is that Herb Brooks coached Mark Johnson, who played for the 1980 US Olympic hockey team and scored 2 goals against the Soviets in that legendary win. Only a few days later did Mark Johnson signed with the Penguins for a brief stint. Perhaps, more interesting was the fact that Mark Johnson’s father was no stranger to the Penguins either; you might know him best as Badger Bob Johnson. Herb Brooks has also had an indirect impact on the Penguins franchise.
Although, Herb Brooks will always be remembered as the man who led a team to bring down the Soviet powerhouse, he also was a primary factor in the behind the scenes work to make the Penguins a strong force in the mid and late 90’s.
We still miss you, Herb. Thank you for making hockey great in the United States, and the city of Pittsburgh
It is well known that Herb Brooks coached the 1980 US Olympic Hockey team in Lake Placid. It is also well known that he coached the team that beat the Soviets in the Miracle on Ice. Lastly, it is also well known that could be the greatest moment in sports history. However, it may be less well known that he helped coached the Penguins in the 1999-2000 campaign.
This comes as a gigantic year in Pittsburgh Penguins history. This was a year that Jaromir Jagr continued his dominant legacy as the leagues top scorer. This was also the year that the line of Kovalev, Straka, and Lang combined for over 250 pts that season. It was the year of the Moose with Johan Hedberg minding the net. Lastly, it was the return of Mario Lemieux. Herb Brooks was behind the bench for that historic year and led his Penguins deep in the playoffs beating the Capitals and the Sabres in dramatic fashion.
Also, Herb was a Penguins head scout for almost 10 years before the day of his passing. His contributions to the organization were highly appreciated as the Penguins looked to improve their squad year after year in the late 90’s.
Another fact that is not as well known is that Herb Brooks coached Mark Johnson, who played for the 1980 US Olympic hockey team and scored 2 goals against the Soviets in that legendary win. Only a few days later did Mark Johnson signed with the Penguins for a brief stint. Perhaps, more interesting was the fact that Mark Johnson’s father was no stranger to the Penguins either; you might know him best as Badger Bob Johnson. Herb Brooks has also had an indirect impact on the Penguins franchise.
Although, Herb Brooks will always be remembered as the man who led a team to bring down the Soviet powerhouse, he also was a primary factor in the behind the scenes work to make the Penguins a strong force in the mid and late 90’s.
We still miss you, Herb. Thank you for making hockey great in the United States, and the city of Pittsburgh
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