Coach Brooks

o It lets the players know that they need to continue to perform to stay on the team.

o It continues to help cement the teams' cohesion.

o It demonstrates that Coach Brooks is dedicated to accomplishing the mission.

8. What drives Herb Brooks so hard to make this team as good as they can be? Does his determination get in the way of his ability to make sound decisions?

o Herb Brooks was cut from the 1960 Olympic hockey team. That team won the Gold medal and the Soviets have dominated the sport since then.

o Answers will vary.

9. Coach Brooks keeps himself emotionally distant from the team. Does this make him a better coach? Is this the best approach?

o Answer will vary.

o Answer will vary.

10. What does this allow Brooks to do? Does this approach have drawbacks?

o Brooks can interject emotion when he wants to get the team fired up and because of the distance he has established the team reaction is intensified. (The locker room scene during the Sweden game)

o Answers will vary.

11. Why did Coach Brooks schedule a game with the Soviets three days before the Olympics?

o Brooks wanted the U.S. team to know that they could play hockey with the Soviets, regardless of what they had heard about how good the Soviets were. Brooks wanted to give them a reason to play hard during the Olympic tournament.

12. Thirteen days later when the U.S. team plays the Soviets again, what are some ways the U.S. team has changed?

Brooks shares the hazards and hardships. The players can not be at home with their families so Brooks chooses to spend Christmas eve with the players instead of his family.

At the start of the third period of the 2nd game with the Soviets, Brooks says "We have come from behind in every game of this tournament and we can do it again. We can beat these guys!" (Don't show discouragement when facing set backs)

Miracle

Guided Discussion