It was while wearing these skates that goalie Jim Craig perfected the defensive skills that stopped 36 of 39 shots taken by the Soviets in the 1980 Olympics. Craig wore these skates circa 1978-79 while at Boston University where he helped the team win a NCAA Division I championship and earn himself recognition as a NCAA All-Star in 1979. The skates have a solid provenance in that they were obtained from Mike Vassalotti’s sporting goods store in North Easton, Massachusetts, the next town over from Craig’s hometown. Besides selling new equipment, Vassalotti’s store was a respected resale and blade sharpening shop, and these skates were left behind by Jim Craig shortly before he left for the 1980 Olympics and sports history.

The Canadian-made Bauer skates show outstanding use but have been carefully maintained and kept. "CRAIG" and his jersey "#30" can be noticed in black marker on the inner heel of each skate. "Supreme 49" is stamped on both outer heels. No size is indicated, but they appear to be in the 12 range. There are many surface scuffs and abrasions from use on the white surfaces and the black leather uppers are well worn. The blades show great game use and look like they spent countless hours on the ice. A great piece of hockey and American history, from one of the players who made the “Miracle on Ice” possible. The skates come with a signed LOA from the consignor.