James Downey Craig is an American former ice hockey goaltender who is best known for being part of the U.S. Olympic hockey team that won the gold medal at the 1980 Winter Olympics. Craig had a standout Olympic tournament, including stopping 36 of 39 shots on goal by the heavily favored Soviet Union in the 'Miracle on Ice', as the U.S. won 4β3, in what is widely considered one of the greatest upsets in sports history. Two days later, the U.S. defeated Finland, 4β2, to clinch Olympic gold. Craig went on to play professionally in the National Hockey League for the Atlanta Flames, Boston Bruins, and Minnesota North Stars from 1980 to 1983. He was inducted into IIHF Hall of Fame in 1999.
Jim Craig, American ice hockey player
On May 31, in the year 1957, Jim Craig, American ice hockey player. This event is recorded as a Notable Births event in the history of May 31, one of 386 recorded events on this date across all of history.
1 notable person is associated with this event, including Jim Craig (ice hockey). Learn more below.
Key Facts
- This event took place on May 31, 1957 (AD era).
- It is categorised as a Notable Births event in recorded history.
- Referenced in 1 Wikipedia article.
- 1 notable person is recorded as involved in or associated with this event.
- Wikipedia source last updated on 13 February 2026.
On This Date in History 386
This article draws on content from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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