Ice hockey at the 1980 Winter Olympics
The 1980 Winter Olympics were held in upstate New York in the USA in Lake Placid. The Olympic hockey tournament was held here during the period from February 12 to 24. Twelve teams participated in this tournament.
Were eligible to participate, the eight teams in the A- group of the Ice Hockey World Championship in 1979 as well as the top four teams in the B group. For the GDR (B- group second) and Switzerland ( B groups - fifth), both of which refrained from participation, moved to Japan (B- groups - sixth).
The competition format was changed compared to the previous Olympic tournaments. First they played in two preliminary round groups of six teams then reached the first and second place, taking with her direct comparisons of the final round, in which the medals were played. The two third-placed teams playing for fifth place.
The Hockey Tournament brought to many observers, the biggest surprise since the Olympic victory of Great Britain in 1936. The host United States won his second Olympic gold medal, and this could defeat the top favorites from the USSR in the now legendary as Miracle on Ice encounter. However, neither Czechoslovakia nor Canada reached the final round and took places five or six. For record-breaking Olympic champion Canada - it was the most worst result at all Olympic tournaments and World Championships - after non-participation in 1972 and 1976 for the first time in twelve years back again.
Olympic ice hockey tournament for men
Preliminary round
Group A
Final Table
Group B
Final Table
Match for 5th place
Final Round for the places 1-4
Direct comparisons of the preliminary round were taken