Yesterday, former New Jersey Devil [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils] Jack O’Callahan turned 68, celebrating a remarkable hockey journey that spanned both NHL ice and Olympic history. O’Callahan played in the NHL with the Chicago Blackhawks and New Jersey Devils, but he’s best known for his role on the legendary 1980 U.S. Olympic team that defeated the Soviet Union in the “Miracle on Ice.” Drafted 96th overall in the 1977 NHL Draft by Chicago, O’Callahan spent five seasons with the Blackhawks before joining the New Jersey Devils. He played two seasons in New Jersey, appearing in 80 games before retiring in 1989. Standing at six foot two, the defenseman suited up for the Devils during a pivotal time in franchise history. He played with the 1987-88 Devils, who made a stunning playoff run that marked a turning point for the team. From that season through 2012, the Devils missed the postseason only three times. Before his NHL days, O’Callahan made history as part of the U.S. Olympic team that shocked the world in 1980. Although he missed three games due to injury, he returned for the gold medal game, forever cementing his place in hockey lore. O’Callahan wasn’t the only “Miracle on Ice” alum to wear a Devils sweater. Neal Broten and Mark Johnson also spent time in New Jersey. Broten scored the game-winning goal in the 1995 Stanley Cup Final and played for the Devils from 1994 to 1997. Johnson played five seasons with the team, from 1985 to 1990. After hanging up his skates, O’Callahan transitioned into finance, co-founding Beanpot Financial Services with another former player, Jack Hughes. He has also remained connected to the sport, making appearances at various hockey events. In 2010, he addressed the U.S. men’s Olympic team, telling ESPN that his message was simple [https://www.espn.com/chicago/nhl/columns/story?columnist=isaacson_melissa&id=4936906]: “They may be great players, but players don't win championships—teams win championships. When we won in Lake Placid, the main reason was that we were a cohesive team. Everybody checked their egos at the door.” His dual legacy, as a member of the Miracle on Ice team and as a New Jersey Devil, is firmly intact. Ahead of this season’s Four Nations Face-Off [https://teamusa.usahockey.com/news_article/show/1331101], Team USA coaches even named O’Callahan as a player they would’ve loved to coach. Now 68, O’Callahan may not lace up his skates as often, but his impact on American hockey and Devils history continues. Photo Credit: © Frank Becerra Jr. / USA TODAY NETWORK
