NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association announced today that Mike Eruzione will deliver the keynote address at the NATE UNITE 2025 Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina. NATE UNITE 2025 will celebrate the Association’s 30th Anniversary and is scheduled to take place February 17-20, 2025, at the Raleigh Convention Center. NATE UNITE is widely regarded as the premier and most comprehensive education event in the communications infrastructure industry. Eruzione is scheduled to speak during the NATE UNITE 2025 Keynote Luncheon on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
Hockey legend Mike Eruzione will share his memories at NATE UNITE 2025 of how his Olympic hockey team beat Russia and ultimately won the gold medal.
Mike Eruzione served as the captain who led the 1980 United States Olympic Hockey Team to its Gold Medal victory in Lake Placid, NY. The highlight of the games for Mike was scoring the game-winning goal against the Soviet Union, known as the “The Goal Heard Round the World.” That victory against the Soviets advanced the U.S. Hockey Team to the Gold Medal Game, where they beat Finland to win the Gold Medal.
The 1980 Olympic Team received many accolades after winning the Gold Medal, including being inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame. In December 1999 Sports Illustrated voted the 1980 Team’s victory as the #1 Sports Moment of the Century. Mike and his teammates had the honor of lighting the Olympic Flame at the Opening Ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Utah. In 2004 Mike and the 1980 Team were featured in the Disney movie “Miracle.“
For the past several years, Mike has traveled throughout the country representing major corporations as their spokesperson and/or motivational speaker. Mike is currently employed by Boston University as Director of Special Outreach. Mike resides in his hometown of Winthrop, MA, with his wife, three adult children, and six grandchildren.
“The Miracle on Ice 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team defeating the Soviets and ultimately capturing the gold medal is quite possibly the most iconic sports moment in American history, and it will be amazing for NATE UNITE attendees to hear directly from Mike Eruzione when he shares his personal memories from his experience as a star player on the team,” said NATE Trade Show Committee Chairwoman Amanda Stegall. “This keynote address adds to the excitement of all the celebratory NATE UNITE 2025 plans we have in store at the event to commemorate the Association’s 30th Anniversary Conference and Trade Show,” added Stegall.
“Mike Eruzione’s underdog message will resonate deeply with so many of the Association’s member company employers, employees, and stakeholders who attend NATE UNITE 2025, and we can’t wait to hear his keynote remarks at the conference,” stated NATE Events and Meetings Manager Shari Wirkus. “I would encourage companies to make plans today to sponsor, exhibit, and attend this can’t miss annual event.”