For the first time since the Miracle on Ice, the United States won the gold medal in men’s hockey after New Jersey Devils standout and Team USA leading scorer Jack Hughes beat Canada’s Jordan Binnington with a five-hole goal early in the overtime period.
Hughes spoke after the game and couldn’t contain his national pride after taking down the United States’ rival to the North. “I’m so proud to be American today … Unreal game by our team. Just a ballsy, gutsy win. That’s American hockey right there. That’s a great Canadian team, but we’re USA. We’re so proud to be Americans, tonight was all for the country,” he told NBC after the contest.
After taking an onslaught of shots from the Canadians, Team USA looked to be in serious trouble, but the goalkeeping of Connor Hellebuyck, who faced 42 shots on goal but allowed just one to sneak past him, led the Americans to victory.
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After receiving their gold medals, the United States team beamed with pride as their national anthem played throughout the stadium and fans couldn’t get enough of their reaction.
“Team USA linked up, singing the anthem together with Gold Medals around their necks. So awesome,” one person said, while another added, “Singing it loud and proud!”
Ahead of the game the Americans received a stirring message from head coach Mike Sullivan.
“When you think about the last 100-plus years. I think the first year the U.S. participated in hockey, in men’s hockey, in the Olympics was in 1920, and it was actually in the Summer Olympics. There’s been two gold medals. The first medal was in 1960, there were 16 players on the roster, two goalies, four defensemen, 10 forwards. In 1980, there were 20 players on the roster,” he said in a clear message to his team.
Now they’re part of history.
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