Union Editorial Brings Emotion and Craft to Netflix Documentary "Miracle: The Boys of ’80"
On Friday, Netflix released Miracle: The Boys of ’80, a powerful new documentary that revisits one of the most iconic moments in sports history. Already #4 on the streamer and climbing, the film chronicles the unforgettable 1980 Winter Olympics upset, when a young, unheralded U.S. men’s hockey team defeated the Soviet Union at the height of the Cold War and went on to win Olympic gold. Union Editorial played a key role in shaping the documentary’s emotional resonance, historical clarity, and visual storytelling.
Directed by Max Gershberg and Jake Rogal and produced by Words + Pictures in association with The Olympic Channel, Miracle: The Boys of ’80 blends never-before-seen 16mm archival footage with present-day reflections from the players themselves. Nearly five decades later, the film explores not only the game, but the pressure, doubt, discipline, and belief that defined a team and a moment that united a nation.
Union’s team included Co-Editor Zach Kashkett, Co-Executive Producers James Haygood and Katherine LeBlond, Additional Lead Designer and Animator Chris Bialkowski, and Animator Sean Vickery. Kashkett co-edited the film alongside M. Brennan, who was brought in by Words + Pictures.
“Editing Miracle: Boys of ’80 was truly special. It’s a story that’s about so much more than a legendary sports moment,” said Kashkett. “Getting to cut it alongside my co-editor, M. Brennan, was a highlight for me, and our collaboration helped shape the film into something more honest, human, and emotionally grounded. I’m really proud of what we made together, and so grateful to the entire team who trusted us with this story.”
Co-Executive Producer Katherine LeBlond reflected on the film’s broader cultural meaning. “Looking back at America in 1980 reminds us how much has changed, and how much is still being asked of us today. This film reflects where we came from, where we are now, and the values that continue to shape our country. I’m deeply grateful to the entire team who carried this story across the finish line with care, integrity, and heart.”
For Co-Executive Producer James Haygood, the project carried deep personal significance. “It was a privilege to help tell this amazing story from our perspective in 2026. It was a moment of pure patriotism and pride in our country, celebrating the ideals we hope our country can once again represent.”
Miracle: The Boys of ’80 revisits the legendary “Miracle on Ice,” when the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team defeated the Soviet Union in the semifinal round at the height of the Cold War and went on to win the gold medal. Told through firsthand reflections from the players and restored archival footage, the documentary underscores how one extraordinary night reshaped their lives and inspired generations who still remember exactly where they were when miracles felt possible.
The film continues Union Editorial’s successful collaboration with Netflix. This past May, AMERICAN MANHUNT: OSAMA BIN LADEN, with LeBlond serving as Producer and Haygood as Supervising Editor, reached the number one spot in the United States within days of release.
Union Editorial also contributed to AMERICAN MANHUNT: OJ SIMPSON, which debuted January 29, 2025, and quickly rose to number one in Netflix’s TV Shows Top Ten, with LeBlond and Haygood again serving as Producer and Supervising Editor. Additional Union-Netflix collaborations include OUTSTANDING: A COMEDY REVOLUTION and GOLD & GREED: THE HUNT FOR FENN’S TREASURE.
Now streaming on Netflix, Miracle: The Boys of ’80 has already drawn praise from outlets such as The Wall Street Journal and Hollywood Outbreak, alongside strong early audience response.
