BOSTON – Mike Eruzione, the captain of the 1980 Miracle on Ice U.S. team that won the gold medal in the Olympics in Lake Placid, said he enjoyed the movie ‘Miracle’ about that year.

“I liked it. They did a very nice job. Kurt Russell was spectacular as [Coach] Herb Brooks,” said Eruzione, who works for Boston University’s development office and attended the Frozen Four. “There were a couple of things I would have liked them to change. But I was there and I know things [the filmmakers didn’t].

“It’s a feel-good movie. It’s a movie you can take your kids to. You don’t have violence or drugs. It captured the spirit of the team and the nation,” said Eruzione.

He has seen it three times and “I enjoy it more each time.”

He scrutinized it the first time but “I’ve let the movie come to me the last couple of times.”

He thought Patrick O’Brien Dempsey did a good job portraying him in the movie.

“He’s a better hockey player than I was,” joked Eruzione. “I was a little more emotional and intense than he portrayed me. And Kurt was quieter and softer than Herb was.”

Solid options for teenagers

Dave McNab, assistant general manager of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, said teenagers trying to decide between Major Junior and U.S. college hockey have two solid options.

“It’s a toss-up, 50-50,” said McNab. “Players are bigger, stronger, and better at all levels of hockey now. The facilities are better. In college, you used to have a head coach and an assistant. Now you’ve got a head coach and three assistants.”

“Major Junior has more elite 18-year-olds, but when it’s all said and done, college is comparable,” said McNab.

College players play fewer games, but they are forced to mature more quickly, and they spend more time practicing in order to improve their skills.

Former University of Maine All-American defenseman Keith Carney made a name for himself by helping lead Anaheim to the Stanley Cup Finals a year ago.

“He missed the first 10 games with a foot injury he suffered in an exhibition game and it took 10-12 games to get in shape after he came back,” said McNab. “He was minus-15 at the Christmas break but finished minus-three, so he was plus-12 in the second half. He’s a tremendous player.”

Sullivan recalls BU-Maine rivalry

Boston Bruins coach Mike Sullivan, a 1990 Boston University graduate, recalled the Terriers’ rivalry with Maine.

“My freshman year, they had the Capuano brothers [Jack and David],” said Sullivan. “It was an intense rivalry.”

He said playing at the Alfond Arena provided an interesting challenge.

“I don’t think we were their favorite visiting team,” grinned Sullivan.

He said his college hockey experience is one he cherishes.

“I really enjoyed my college experience,” said Sullivan. “It was exciting and every game meant something.”