Team USA hockey star Quinn Hughes thanked the troops after winning gold at the Winter Olympics.
Team USA secured the gold medal with a 2-1 victory over Canada at the Winter Olympics – the first gold for hockey since the “Miracle on Ice” victory against the Soviet Union in 1980. Speaking with reporters after Jack Hughes, Quinn’s brother, scored the winning goal during overtime, Quinn thanked the troops for giving them the opportunity to play.
“I hope that we grow the game,” said Quinn Hughes. “The kids back home can, kind of like we did with Miracle on Ice, watching that movie, be able to gain inspiration from us. I know there were a lot of troops also watching, and they allowed us to play this game. So and of course, with Johnny Gaudreau to see his kids come out there, it was very special.”
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth acknowledged the moment in a social media post.
“I want to thank our troops for allowing us to play this game.”
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) February 22, 2026
This means more than most folks realize.
Perspective. Appreciation. Patriotism. That’s all our troops ask for. Means everything.
Thank you @usahockey 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/rP41pGlQOC
As noted by MEAWW, Canada “dominated much of the game but despite several incredible chances in the third couldn’t put the game away. Connor Hellebuyck was sensational in net for the U.S.. Shots favoured Canada, 42-28, including six shots each by Nathan MacKinnon and Macklin Celebrini.”
Quinn Hughes previously hailed America as the “greatest country in the world” after scoring the winning goal that put Team USA on path to Olympic gold last week.
“It’s special,” Hughes said. “I love the U.S., and it’s the greatest country in the world. So, I’m happy to represent here with these guys, and it was very special.”
Quinn Hughes spoke with @NBCNews immediately after scoring the OT game-winner against Sweden in the Olympics. pic.twitter.com/7SwdPl15Xk
— Greg Rosenstein (@grosenstein) February 18, 2026
Quinn’s brother, Jack Hughes, expressed similar patriotic sentiment after scoring the winning goal that secured Team USA the gold.
“This is all about our country right now,” Hughes told NBC. “I love the USA. I love our teammates. It’s unbelievable. The USA hockey brotherhood is so strong. We had so much support from ex-players, and I’m so proud to be American today.”
