Date of Birth: August 5, 1937
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Date of Death: August 11, 2003
Biography
Herbert Paul Brooks Jr., widely known as Herb Brooks, was an American ice hockey player and coach, born on August 5, 1937, in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Brooks is best remembered for his role as the head coach of the U.S. national team during the 1980 Winter Olympics, where he led the team to a gold medal in what is famously known as the “Miracle on Ice.” Before his legendary coaching career, Brooks played hockey for the University of Minnesota and participated in two Olympic Games as a player. After his playing career, Brooks transitioned into coaching, where he made a significant impact. He coached the University of Minnesota to three NCAA championships in 1974, 1976, and 1979. His success at the collegiate level led to his selection as the head coach of the U.S. national team for the 1980 Winter Olympics. Brooks’ innovative techniques, motivational speeches, and ability to bring out the best in his players were pivotal in the U.S. team’s unexpected victory over the heavily favored Soviet Union team. Post-Olympics, Brooks coached various professional teams, including the New York Rangers, Minnesota North Stars, New Jersey Devils, and Pittsburgh Penguins. He also served as the director of player personnel for the Pittsburgh Penguins, helping them secure two Stanley Cup championships in the early 1990s. Brooks continued to contribute to the sport until his untimely death in 2003.
5 Interesting Facts about Herb Brooks
1. Herb Brooks played for the U.S. national team in the 1964 and 1968 Winter Olympics.
2. He was the last player cut from the 1960 U.S. Olympic team, which went on to win gold.
3. Brooks was inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 1990.
4. He was posthumously awarded the Lester Patrick Trophy for his contributions to hockey in the United States.
5. The “Miracle on Ice” victory is considered one of the greatest sports moments of the 20th century.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Herb Brooks
1. “Great moments are born from great opportunities.”
2. “You were born to be a player. You were meant to be here. This moment is yours.”
3. “Risk something or forever sit with your dreams.”
4. “The name on the front is a hell of a lot more important than the one on the back.”
5. “You’re looking for players whose name on the front of the sweater is more important than the one on the back.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Herb Brooks’ highest net worth is estimated to have been around $5 million.
Children
Herb Brooks and his wife Patti Brooks had two children: a son named Dan Brooks and a daughter named Kelly Brooks.
Relevant Links
1. [Herb Brooks Foundation](https://www.herbbrooksfoundation.com/
2. [USA Hockey Biography](https://www.usahockey.com/herbbrooks
3. [International Hockey Hall of Fame](https://www.iihf.com/en/static/5074/herb-brooks
4. [ESPN Article on Herb Brooks](https://www.espn.com/classic/biography/s/Brooks_Herb.html
5. [Miracle on Ice – History Channel](https://www.history.com/topics/sports/miracle-on-ice
