Buffalo native directs Netflix documentary on the “Miracle on Ice”

As the men's Olympic ice hockey tournament commences at the Milan-Cortina Games, a new Netflix documentary revisits one of the most iconic moments in sports history.

“Miracle: The Boys of '80” chronicles the 1980 U.S. men's hockey team's improbable journey to Olympic gold in Lake Placid, a victory famously dubbed the “Miracle on Ice.”

At the helm of this documentary is Max Gershberg, a Buffalo native whose passion for sports storytelling was ignited in his hometown.

Gershberg, who attended Elmwood Franklin and City Honors schools, reflects on his formative years: “Growing up in Buffalo, I was a sports-obsessed kid, deeply influenced by the Sabres and the Bills during the early to mid-'90s.”

After college, Gershberg pursued a career in sports journalism and documentary filmmaking, earning nine Emmy awards during his tenure as a producer at HBO.

The story of the 1980 Olympic hockey team remained close to his heart, rooted in his experiences playing hockey in Buffalo.

“I first fell in love with the 1980 story while playing Bisons hockey at the old Nichols rink,” Gershberg recalls.

“Watching the original 'Miracle' film on the way to tournaments was a cherished memory.”

“Miracle: The Boys of '80” offers a fresh perspective through never-before-seen 16mm footage from the International Olympic Committee's archives.

The film features in-depth interviews with 16 of the 17 living team members, who reunited in Lake Placid for filming.

“Bringing them back to where it all happened was profoundly emotional,” Gershberg notes.

“Even 45 years later, the experience remains visceral for the players.”

Buffalo's connection to this historic event is further highlighted by team members like defenseman Mike Ramsey, who later played for the Buffalo Sabres.

“For Buffalo folks, there are some interesting roots here,” Gershberg adds.

“The local ties to this story are something I deeply appreciate.”

“Miracle: The Boys of '80” is now streaming on Netflix.