MAKING THE MONUMENT TO A MIRACLE

How a Historic Moment Becomes a Monument for Future Generations

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Project Timeline: 2015–2030

The Monument to a Miracle is a once in a generation artistic undertaking that will honor the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team - the team that inspired the world. It represents not only a historic moment in American sports, but also a masterful blend of art, technology, and cultural memory.

This monument combines time-honored sculpting traditions with cutting edge digital innovation, ensuring that every detail of the team’s iconic celebration is captured with accuracy, emotion, and artistry. From the first sketches in 2015 to the final bronze installation in 2030, the project demonstrates how modern artists preserve the past while shaping the future of public art.

The Vision Begins

Every great monument begins with a vision.  In 2015 at the 35th Anniversary of the XIII Olympic Winter Games, sculptor Rob presented the 1980 U.S. Hockey team with 3 illustrations of his concept.  The Team chose the most iconic moment - all twenty players gathered together on the medal podium, in their track suits, “USA” emblazoned across their backs, moments after receiving their gold medals.  It became the foundation for everything that followed.

PHASE 1 — The Maquette (Completed 2016)

In 2016, sculptor Rob created a detailed 12 inch tall (1/6 scale) model of all twenty players. This maquette captured the composition, energy, and emotion of the final monument - allowing the team, partners, and supporters to see the vision come to life for the first time, long before full scale work begins. 

PHASE 2 — Scanning and Enlarging the Sculpture (2019-2025)

The maquette was then digitally scanned and enlarged to ½ life size figures and full-scale busts using robotic CNC milling. Each figure is carved in rigid foam, forming the base for the clay sculpture.

PHASE 3 — Sculpting the Clay Figures (2025–2027)

This is the heart of the artistic process. Each foam figure is transformed with clay, capturing:

  1. Facial likeness.

  2. Body proportions.

  3. Uniform folds and textures.

  4. Movement, emotion, and team unity.

The sculptor uses archival photos, measurements, and historical references to ensure authenticity. Once each figure is complete, it is scanned in high resolution to preserve every detail.

2025 Milestones Completed

  1. Seven half scale figures and seven life size busts sculpted: Steve Janaszak, Mark Pavelich, Dave Silk, Bob Suter, Buzz Schneider, Dave Christian, and Mike Ramsey.

  2. Pentagonal podium base fabricated.

 2026 Progress

  • Three half-sized figures completed: Jim Craig, Steve Christoff and Mark Johnson.

Planned for the remainder of 2026

  • Four more half-sized figures and seven life-sized busts to be sculpted: Phil Verchota, Neal Broten, Bill Baker and Ken Morrow

Half-sized Figure # 

  1. Steve Janaszak – completed in 2025

  2. Mark Pavelich - completed in 2025

  3. Dave Silk - completed in 2025

  4. Bob Suter - completed in 2025

  5. Buzz Schneider - completed in 2025

  6. Dave Christian - completed in 2025

  7. Mike Ramsey - completed in 2025

  8. Steve Christoff – completed in 2026

  9. Mark Johnson – completed in 2026

  10. Jim Craig – completed in 2026

  11. Phil Verochota – planned for 2026

  12. Neal Broten – planned for 2026

  13. Bill Baker – planned for 2026

  14. Ken Morrow – planned for 2026

  15. Mark Wells – planned for 2027

  16. Rob McClanahan – planned for 2027

  17. Eric Strobel – planned for 2027

  18. Mike Eruzione – planned for 2027

  19. Jack O’Callahan – planned for 2027

  20. John Harrington– planned for 2027

  21. Eric Heiden – planned for 2027-28

Planned for 2027

  • Final six half-sized figures and life-sized busts to be sculpted: Mark Wells, Rob McClanahan, Eric Strobel, Mike Eruzione, Jack O’Callahan and John Harrington

  • Half-sized figure and life-sized bust of Eric Heiden: 5x Olympic Gold Medalist – Speed Skater to be sculpted

PHASE 4 — Life Size 3D Printing (2027–2028)

After the clay sculptures are approved, each figure is rescanned and digitally enlarged to life size. They are then 3D printed in wax infused resin — ready for bronze casting. This modern process replaces traditional rubber molds and preserves every sculpted detail.

PHASE 5 — Casting in Bronze (2028–2029)

The life size wax figures are cast using the traditional lost wax method — a centuries old process used for monuments around the world.

Steps in Bronze Casting:

  1. Wax Gating: Channels are added to guide molten bronze.

  2. Ceramic Shell: The wax figure is dipped repeatedly to form a hard shell.

  3. Bronze Pour: Molten bronze fills the shell after the wax melts out.

  4. Finishing & Patina: The bronze is cleaned, refined, and patinated to achieve its final color.

During this phase, the granite pedestal for the monument is also fabricated.

PHASE 6 — Installation in Lake Placid (2029–2030)

The custom granite base will be installed outside the Lake Placid Olympic Center. The twenty bronze figures — representing every member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team — will be transported and installed by professional art handlers.

The Eric Heiden Memorial will also be delivered and installed during this period!

Goal for late 2029 – early 2030

  • Continue fabrication of granite pedestal for bronze monument. 

  • Install granite pedestal. 

  • Deliver & install 20 life-size bronze figures, 1980 US Olympic Hockey Team Memorial. 

  • Deliver and install Eric Heiden Memorial.