Mike Curran was a member of the United States National Team in 1969, 1970, and 1971, playing at the World Championships each of those years. In 1970, the U.S. won the title at the B-Pool tournament. Despite his international experience, Curran had to battle to earn the number-one job with the U.S. Olympic Team in 1972. His goaltending in Sapporo that year was a key reason why the Americans won a surprising gold medal. Curran was particularly brilliant in a 51-save performance in a 5-1 U.S. victory over Czechoslovakia.
Curran was signed by the Minnesota Fighting Saints for the inaugural World Hockey Association season of 1972-73 and played in the WHA until 1977. He also represented the United States internationally again at the World Championships in 1976 and 1977 and shared the American goal with Pete LoPresti and Robert "Cap" Raeder at the inaugural Canada Cup tournament in 1976. |