Travel back in time to 2002 in Park City, Utah

Originally published on IIHF.com in 2006

By Lucas Aykroyd

Feeling nostalgic about the 2002 Olympic hockey tournament? Visit the special exhibit on the second floor of the Joe Quinney Winter Sports Center at the Utah Olympic Park, four miles north of Park City.

This modern, 29,000-square-foot facility still feels brand new, almost as if the 2002 Games were still in progress. You’re welcomed by video footage of the USA’s 1980 “Miracle on Ice” team lighting the Olympic flame at Rice-Eccles Stadium on February 8, 2002. Further along, a glass case contains Team USA jerseys autographed by both the ’80 team and their 2002 counterparts. In the middle, there’s a goalie stick signed by the members of the 2002 American women’s team. Both those 2002 USA squads captured silver medals, finishing behind Canada.

Next to the glass case, check out the video monitor featuring unique, selectable highlights packages based on the NBC broadcast of the men’s and women’s finals. A colorful wall of photos also captures the glory of what many have called the best hockey tournament ever played.

Of course, the Utah Olympic Park didn’t host any of the hockey games. That honor belonged to Salt Lake City’s E Center and Provo’s Peaks Ice Arena. But still, if all this hockey memorabilia gets you craving an adrenalin rush, you can go watch ski jumpers training nearby, or even take a ride on the Olympic bobsled track for $200.

For more information on the Utah Olympic Park, visit olyparks.com. To plan your trip to Park City, it’s parkcityinfo.com.