Nagobads was the Golden Gophers men's team doctor from 1958 until his retirement in 1992 and is most notably remembered for being the team doctor for the Miracle on Ice squad, the US players who upset the Soviet Union at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid.

The Soviet Union were the four-time defending gold medallists in men's ice hockey and were regarded as the clear favourites in the tournament, while their opponents were largely composed of university players.

The US won 4-3 against the Soviets, and also pulled out a surprise 7-3 victory over Czechoslovakia and a 2-2 draw with Sweden to claim the gold medal.

On November 20, two days after his birthday, Nagobads was celebrated by the University of Minnesota before their home game against Penn State in Mariucci.

"He's the most beloved medical person in sports that I know of," said Olympian Lou Nanne, who played for the Gophers from 1959 to 1963.

"I don't know of anybody that is thought more highly of than he is. 

"He's just a wonderful human being besides being a terrific doctor."

Prior to the game, there was a recognition dinner for him, attended by Nanne and other ice hockey personnel that included Miracle on Ice goalie Jim Craig and two-time national collegiate champion from the 1970s, Tom Vannelli.

“[Vannelli] said he's the best intermediary ever and was a big help to our [Gophers'] success,” said Nanne.

"Craig said the same thing about the Olympic team. 

"It just goes to show you the kind of interpersonal relationships he develops that are so effective and meaningful for a team to be successful."

In 2003, the International Ice Hockey Federation honoured Nagobads with the Paul Loicq Award, which recognises "outstanding contributions to the IIHF and international hockey".