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Mike Eruzione, a U.S. Olympic gold medalist who played a major role in the team’s “Miracle on Ice” moment in 1980, criticized U.S. team skier Hunter Hess on Saturday.
Eruzione responded to Hess’ controversial comments about the United States’ representation on the world stage at this year’s Olympic Games. Hess and teammate Chris Lillis expressed dismay at using the Stars and Stripes amid controversy over the Trump administration’s use of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the country.
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American hockey player Mike Eruzione #21 of Team USA shakes hands with the Russian team during a 1980 exhibition game against the Soviet Union on February 9, 1980 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. (Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios/Getty Images)
“Hunter Hess, an American snowboarder, says he doesn’t represent his country but his family and friends,” Eruzione wrote in X. “So don’t wear the American uniform, maybe just wear it to family and friends. Some athletes just don’t get it.”
Eruzione later deleted the post.
Lillis and Hess’ statements sparked a significant reaction on social media.
Lillis said that while he would “never” want to represent another country at the Games, he is “heartbroken” by the administration’s actions.
“I love the United States. I would never want to represent a different country in the Olympics. That being said, many times athletes are hesitant to talk about political views and how we feel about things.
Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) and former hockey player Mike Eruzione and former hockey player Wayne Gretzky and Team Canada forward Sidney Crosby (87) during the 4 Nations ice hockey championship at TD Garden on February 20, 2025. (Brian Fluharty/Image Images)
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“I feel heartbroken about what’s happening in America. I’m pretty sure you’re referencing ICE and some of the protests and stuff like that,” he continued. “I think as a country we need to focus on respecting everyone’s rights and making sure we treat our citizens as well as anyone, with love and respect. I hope that when people see athletes compete in the Olympics, they realize that’s the America we’re trying to represent.”
Hess echoed that sentiment, but went further and said he has “mixed emotions” about representing the United States at these Games.
“I think it brings mixed emotions to represent America right now. It’s a little difficult. There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren’t.
“I think, for me, the important thing is to represent my friends and family in my country, the people who represented it before me, all the things that I think are good about America. If it aligns with my moral values, I feel like I’m representing it. Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s happening in America.
Hunter Hess reacts during the men’s ski halfpipe final at the Toyota United States Grand Prix at Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort in Aspen, Colorado. It happened on January 9, 2026. (Dustin Satloff/US Ski & Snowboard/Getty Images)
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“I just want to do it for my friends, my family and the people who support me to get here.”
