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Former NHL star Jeremy Roenick condemned those who decided not to celebrate the US men’s hockey team’s gold medal win at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Roenick appeared on “Jesse Watters Primetime” on Monday and talked about what winning the gold medal meant to USA Hockey, especially over Canada, but lamented the criticism directed at the team.
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The United States celebrates after winning the men’s ice hockey gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Stadium on February 22, 2026. (James Lang/Image Images)
“Shame on everyone for not celebrating this,” Roenick said. “Sports aren’t supposed to be political. They’re supposed to bring the country together. We’re all supposed to come together and believe in one thing. I think 99% of Americans on social media loved it. And then you turn around and see the politicization of sports and it’s just not right. The hypocrites are coming out in droves and it’s unfortunate that we can’t take the best moments in sports and all celebrate them. It’s a real shame.”
Most of the criticism directed at the U.S. team came after the players spoke with President Donald Trump on the phone in the locker room. The president invited the team to his State of the Union address and several players expressed their excitement for the opportunity.
San Jose Sharks center Jeremy Roenick (27) talks to fans after the game against the Phoenix Coyotes at HP Pavilion in San Jose, California on April 9, 2009. (Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports)
First, on Monday, the team flew from Italy back to the U.S. Then, the team took a bus and drove around South Beach, Miami, before having dinner at a fancy restaurant. Then, the players celebrated at E11EVEN.
“There will be a lot of droopy eyes,” Roenick added. “There will be a lot of messy hair, but I assure you, you will represent America exactly as you did in Italy. You will show up with pride. You will give a thumbs up to the president, who is doing an incredible job.”
The United States celebrates after winning the men’s ice hockey gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Stadium. (James Lang/Image Images)
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“Our country has never been better and our sports and hockey have never been better. And that’s something to be proud of.”
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