Every USA Olympic hockey team, ranked by miracles on ice

8. Cortina d’Ampezzo Olympics, 1956

1956 was the first time that the Winter Olympics were held in Italy. This proved to be unfair for the Americans. Italy is a place of fine food and wine. Two weaknesses for any American squad. Because they were at such a disadvantage, their second-place finish is all the more impressive.

John Mariucci was the head coach while Gene Campbell served as captain.

John Mayasich led the team in scoring with 10 points in seven games. Don Rigazio and Willard Ikola were the two goaltenders. For some reason, Team USA had them split time. Ikola started three games and gave up nine goals. Rigazio started four games and gave up four goals.

I’m not a hockey coach, although my Franchise Hockey Manager teams seem to do pretty well, but I know one simple rule: Always exploit wacky theories. What do I mean by this? It’s simple.

The 1956 Winter Olympics were held in Italy. Team USA has a goaltender with the last name Rigazio. In Italy. They had a goalie. Named Rigazio. Do you see what I’m getting at?

Rigazio should have been the starting goaltender from game one. Instead, the Americans went with Ikola. And they lost 4-3. Rigazio won the next four games. But what did Team USA do against Sweden? They went back to Ikola. And what happened? They lost 4-0 because the team boycotted scoring without Rigozio in net.

This should have been a gold medal year. But too much Italian food, too much wine, and not enough Rigazio did the Americans in.