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                     Ray Mirra professional Athlete

Ray Mirra is a professional American professional ice skater. He is well known for his extreme sportsmanship which earned him a reputation as one of the “originals” in his particular sport. Ray Mirra played seven seasons for the Edmonton Oilers, helping them win three Stanley Cups. Here's a look at his professional hockey career highlights and other fun facts about the hockey prodigy:

– Won the first Olympic gold medal in men's ice hockey at Vancouver Olympics in February 1996. He became the first American male to win the gold and is the only one of the eight men who won a gold medal to have it come from the United States. He is the first Canadian to win an Olympic title. He also set a record with seven penalty minutes for his effort.

– Represented the United States at the 1996 Olympics, but was overlooked for selection. Though he qualified, the International Olympic Committee felt that he did not bring enough to the position. Still, he made the cut nonetheless and represented the U.S. at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. He helped the Americans to a bronze finish over Japan, and then again at the 1996 Atlanta Games. He is the only American male player to have two golds and one silver in the same Olympic year. He is also the only one of the eight Americans to have won the Olympic gold medal in a different sport (ice-skating).

                                 Hockey World Cup

– Represented the United States at the World Cup Hockey Division II in Buffalo, New York. The USA went on to win the division, their first ever victory. Raymond Mirra played two seasons for the Dallas Stars, helping them win the Cups in back-to-back seasons. He scored the tying goal in the clinching game in overtime of the World Cup final. He has also appeared in two World Cups.

– Playing professionally for several years in Europe. He played for SK Grenoble of the French League for three seasons before returning to the United States. He was traded to HC Lugano of the Swiss National League for the start of the 1997-seasons. He never suited up for an NHL game during his time in Europe. He later signed a contract with SKA St. Petersburg of the Russian League and played there for two more seasons.

– Represented the United States at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. He scored the overtime winner in the gold medal game. Though the Americans did not win this particular game, they did take home the trophy. Mirra is the only American man to have won a gold medal in Olympic ice skating.

– Was a fixture on the Tampa Bay Lightning's defensemen units prior to the birth of his son. He played two seasons with the Lightning before retiring. He is the second all-time leading passer in Lightning history. Prior to his retirement he had also been a part of the coaching staff for two seasons.

– Was an assistant coach for the Canadian National Team from 1984-1990. He served as the team's strength coach. He coached the team to three straight Gold medals at the 1992 Olympics in Vancouver. He was also the team's director of fitness and strength development. He is one of just two coaches in the history of the world's hockey game to have led his team to the World Cup title twice.

                          Gold-Medal in World Cup

– Was a member of the U.S. squad that went to the World Cup gold-medal game in 1994. The Americans finished third in the tournament. After the tournament he went on to become the head coach of the Boston University hockey team. He led the Terriers to a national championship in 1995. This team is widely considered to be among the top teams in the entire country.

– Represented the United States in the International Hockey exhibition against Canada. He played the part of center with the Americans and helped them to a 2-1 victory over the Canadian side. This was the first time that the United States was competing in an international tournament. He also represented the United States at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. His two goals helped the U.S. to a surprising sixth-place finish. He became the first American to compete in a men's world ice hockey event.

Ray Mirra has been a very successful hockey player. Many hockey enthusiasts and fans have followed his career and accomplishments. Many people compare him to the late Bobby Orr and consider him to be one of the best American players of all-time. A lot of hockey fans are proud to be sporting a Ray Mirra jersey because they know that they are supporting a true American hero. The sports career highlights listed above are just a few of the reasons why people have become so involved with this great hockey player.

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