If I’d have went on the ice when this thing happened, someone would have speared me or something. It’s a great feeling of accomplishment and pride. They had to do it; it was their moment.

Meaning of the quote

The coach is saying that he chose not to go onto the ice during an important moment for his team, even though he really wanted to. He knew that if he had gone out there, someone might have hurt him. Instead, he let his players have that special moment all to themselves, and he felt very proud and accomplished watching them succeed on their own. The coach understood that it was their time to shine, not his.

About Herb Brooks

Herb Brooks was an American ice hockey player and coach who led the U.S. Olympic team to a gold medal in 1980 with the famous “Miracle on Ice” victory over the Soviet team. He later coached in the NHL and led the U.S. team to a silver medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics before his untimely death in a car accident in 2003.

More about the author

More quotes from Herb Brooks

We should be dreaming. We grew up as kids having dreams, but now we’re too sophisticated as adults, as a nation. We stopped dreaming. We should always have dreams.

Herb Brooks

American ice hockey player and coach (1937-2003)

If I’d have went on the ice when this thing happened, someone would have speared me or something. It’s a great feeling of accomplishment and pride. They had to do it; it was their moment.

Herb Brooks

American ice hockey player and coach (1937-2003)

Maybe I’m sort of like the players – there’s still a lot of little boy in me.

Herb Brooks

American ice hockey player and coach (1937-2003)

You know, Willie Wonka said it best: we are the makers of dreams, the dreamers of dreams.

Herb Brooks

American ice hockey player and coach (1937-2003)

Everything goes in cycles, to a degree.

Herb Brooks

American ice hockey player and coach (1937-2003)

This is your moment. You’re meant to be here.

Herb Brooks

American ice hockey player and coach (1937-2003)

You’re looking for players whose name on the front of the sweater is more important than the one on the back. I look for these players to play hard, to play smart and to represent their country.

Herb Brooks

American ice hockey player and coach (1937-2003)

And maybe I’m a little smarter now than I was before for all the stupid things I’ve done.

Herb Brooks

American ice hockey player and coach (1937-2003)

Great moments are born from great oppurtunities.

Herb Brooks

American ice hockey player and coach (1937-2003)

You’re playing worse and worse every day and right now you’re playing like it’s next month.

Herb Brooks

American ice hockey player and coach (1937-2003)

I’m a dreamer.

Herb Brooks

American ice hockey player and coach (1937-2003)