Factual error: Before the February 9 exhibition game against USSR at Madison Square Garden, the text on the screen reads "three days until opening ceremony", however, it was actually three days until team USA faced Sweden on February 12, 1980. The opening ceremony was not for another two days, on February 14, 1980. (01:11:10)
Factual error: Colorado Springs location shots are completely off. Broadmoor World Arena had a very high, arched roof, wooden seats throughout and no press box even vaguely resembling that shown in the film. It was demolished in 1995 though actual photos are still available here: http://www.coloradocollege.edu/athletics/hockey/history/allbroadmoor/BroadmoorWorldArenaPhotos1.cfm Olympic Training Center was built on the grounds of an old military base, no rolling hills or heavy vegetation. In 1979 the old barracks, used as dormatories for the athletes, were very prominent and visible on the grounds.
Answer: Since they all came from different, sometimes rival, universities, and thus had no commonality, he wanted to give them someone to dislike together, instead of fighting with one another. If they could all bond over what a bastard Brooks was, they'd come together faster as a team and have a chance of winning.