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Mike Eruzione just wants everyone to “shut up” and celebrate.
Forty-six years after Eruzione became the first true hero of American hockey, Jack Hughes followed in his footsteps Sunday by scoring the golden goal in overtime against Canada at the Milan Cortina Games.
As part of the celebration of the first gold medal since Eruzione’s “Miracle on Ice” team in 1980, the 2026 team spoke with President Donald Trump, partied in Miami and attended Tuesday’s State of the Union address after visiting Trump in the Oval Office.
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Former USA hockey player Mike Eruzione on the ice before the start of the first period against Team Canada during the 4 Nations Ice Hockey Championship at TD Garden. (Images by Brian Fluharty-Imagn)
The team has since received criticism for its interactions with Trump, including laughter at a joke the president made about having to invite the women’s team to the State of the Union. Tage Thompson was photographed wearing a MAGA hat, while Jack and Quinn Hughes sported “45-47 USA” hats.
Eruzione, who scored the winning goal against the Soviets, criticized those who criticized the team.
“When you experience that moment and you have an Olympic gold medal around your neck and the joy that it brought to so many people, who listens to the other side? Who listens to people f—ing and complaining? What a shame,” Eruzione told TMZ Sports.
U.S. hockey team gold medalists Quinn Hughes, right, his brother Jack Hughes, left, and their teammates are recognized by President Donald Trump during the State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
“We live in the best country in the world. And to see our athletes perform the way they did, our women’s team too, let’s not forget maybe the best women’s team we’ve ever put on the ice, and all the other athletes that were there. I would say 99% of our athletes that were there are proud to represent their country and compete, but they don’t want to talk about it. They have to find something to fuck about and complain about. You know what? Shut up and Just enjoy what they did.”
Eruzione said he spoke to Jimmy Carter after the “Miracle” and there was “no negative press.”
“I’ve said this many times and I’ve probably put it on my grave, but other than being a police officer, a firefighter or someone in the military protecting and serving our country, there is no greater feeling than putting on a United States jersey. You’re not playing for Boston, Chicago, New York, you’re playing for your country,” Eruzione said.
Miek Eruzione walks on the ice at Herb Brooks Arena. (Michael Ultra)
Jack Hughes received a raucous ovation on his return to the NHL on Wednesday, playing in front of his New Jersey Devils fans. He also brought out Thompson, while the Devils were playing his Buffalo Sabres, to make sure his USA teammate also lent a hand.
