Donald Trump celebrated Team USA’s stunning Olympic hockey gold as a modern miracle, but what made this victory echo 1980’s glory 46 years later?
Story Highlights
- Team USA defeats Canada 2-1 in overtime for first men’s hockey gold since 1980 Miracle on Ice.
- Jack Hughes scores game-winner at 1:41 OT after Zach Werenski strips Nathan MacKinnon.
- Connor Hellebuyck stops 41 shots, named best player; perfect 6-0 tournament run.
- Trump praises win with “THEY WON THE GOLD. WOW!” amplifying patriotic fervor.
- Team honors late Johnny Gaudreau with jersey on ice post-victory.
Game Timeline Unfolds in Drama
Matt Boldy scored at 6:00 of the first period for a 1-0 USA lead, the fastest gold medal game goal in Olympics history with NHL players. Canada tied it at 18:16 of the second when Cale Makar wristed one past Connor Hellebuyck. Overtime tension peaked as Zach Werenski stripped Nathan MacKinnon, setting up Jack Hughes’ five-hole winner at 1:41. Hellebuyck’s 41 saves, including a McDavid breakaway, sealed the 2-1 triumph at Santaguilia Arena in Milano Cortina.
Historical Echoes of 1980 Miracle
USA’s 1960 Squaw Valley and 1980 Lake Placid golds came from amateurs; NHL stars delivered the first pro-era victory since their 1998 return. Canada claimed recent golds in 2010 over USA in OT and 2014 versus Sweden. NHL players skipped 2022 but returned for 2026, powering USA’s undefeated path including a 6-2 semifinal rout of Slovakia on February 21. Twenty of 25 USA players hailed from NCAA programs, mirroring the college-heavy 1980 roster.
Star Performers Drive Victory
Jack Hughes netted the decider, praising Hellebuyck as “our best player by a mile” and the win as “ballsy, gutsy American hockey.” Matt Boldy deked defenders for the opener. Zach Werenski’s poke check created the chance. Canada’s Jordan Binnington stopped 26 shots but yielded five-hole. Sidney Crosby’s quarterfinal injury sidelined him, hurting Canada’s three-peat bid against USA’s NHL stars like the Hughes brothers and Jack Eichel. NCAA roots built unbreakable brotherhood.
Post-game, players placed Johnny Gaudreau’s jersey at center ice, honoring the star killed in a 2024 drunk-driving crash. This tribute ran through the tournament, fueling resilience.
Trump Amplifies Patriotic Triumph
Former President Donald Trump lauded the win with “THEY WON THE GOLD. WOW!”, framing it as a patriotic sequel to the Miracle on Ice against rival Canada. His endorsement highlights American resilience, aligning with conservative values of national pride and unity. Facts support this as a defining moment: perfect 6-0 record, outscoring foes 26-9. Trump’s voice boosts visibility, tying sports glory to broader cultural revival.
Lasting Impacts Reshape Hockey
Short-term, the gold surges US hockey morale and youth inspiration. Long-term, it revives NHL Olympic participation after 2022’s absence and elevates NCAA pipelines—11 Minnesotans alone echo 1980 roots. Economic boosts hit merchandise and viewership. Socially, it reignites Miracle nostalgia; politically, Trump’s praise sparks partisan pride debates. USA-Canada rivalry intensifies NHL appeal, setting 2030 benchmarks. Canadian fans lament Crosby’s absence and outshooting USA yet falling short.
Sources:
Jack Hughes scores in OT, Team USA wins Olympic gold medal game against Canada
