Massasoit Alum Jim Craig Inducted into NJCAA Hall of Fame

Craig attended Massasoit before transferring to Boston University and joining the 1980 gold-medal U.S. Olympic team.

BROCKTON, Mass (June 26, 2025) – Massasoit Community College alumnus Jim Craig was inducted into the National Junior College Athletic Association Hall of Fame on June 17. Massasoit President Bill Mitchell accepted the honor on his behalf at a ceremony in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Craig joined the Massasoit Warriors Hockey Team in 1975 after graduating from Oliver Ames High School in Easton. At Massasoit, he had the opportunity to be coached by Neil Higgins, a former star goalie for Boston College. After a successful season, in which Warriors Hockey team took home the Region XXI (New England) Championship, Craig was offered a scholarship to Boston University where he went on to win an NCAA national championship. In 1980, he became an American sports hero when his standout performance in goal helped the U.S. to defeat the Soviet Union in the famous “Miracle on Ice” game enroute to a gold medal victory over Finland.

“When I think about the path my life has taken, it’s impossible not to start at Massasoit. It was more than just a college—it was the foundation,” said Craig. “Massasoit gave me a second chance, the belief in myself, and the opportunity to develop as a student, an athlete, and a teammate. It prepared me not only for Boston University, but for everything that came after—including the 1980 Olympics.”

“I’m incredibly honored to be inducted into the NJCAA Hall of Fame, and grateful that my journey began at a place that believed in potential over pedigree,” continued Craig. “My sincere thanks to Massasoit and to Bill Mitchell for accepting this honor on my behalf.”

After competing in the 1980 Olympics, Craig went on to play in the NHL and be enshrined in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame, the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame, and the International Ice Hockey Federation Hall of Fame. His post-hockey career has been one of tremendous successes, having become a business leader in sales, marketing, consulting, and motivational speaking. He is the co-author of two books: Gold Medal Strategies: Business Lessons from America’s Miracle Team and We Win! Lessons on Life, Business & Building Your Own Miracle Team.

“We are proud that Massasoit played an early role in Jim Craig’s legendary and heroic hockey and professional careers,” said President Mitchell. “This honor from the NJCAA is a reflection of how a Massasoit education and a team experience on the field, ice, or court can change lives.”

Craig is the fifth former Massasoit student athlete or coach to be inducted into the NJCAA Hall of Fame. Other Warriors in the Hall include baseball coach Tom Frizzell (2011), soccer player Flemming Petersen (2006), soccer player John Macaroco (1995), and soccer coach Nick Palantzas (1995).