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NHL star Quinn Hughes became an Olympic hero for Team USA when he scored an overtime goal to lift his country over Sweden in the men’s hockey qualifying round.
His remarks after the game may have made him a national hero among many Americans.
“It’s special,” Hughes told reporters as he saw American flags and heard “USA” chants in the arena.
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Quinn Hughes of the United States celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal in overtime during a quarterfinal playoff game against Sweden at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Stadium on February 18, 2026, during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan, Italy. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
“I love America and it’s the greatest country in the world. So I’m happy to represent here with these guys, and it was very special.”
Hughes’ overtime goal gave the United States a dramatic 2-1 victory as the team continues its quest for a gold medal.
The United States failed to connect on its first five shots of overtime, but in the sixth, Hughes scored an inside-post shot that crossed the line to give the Americans the victory.
The Americans will face Slovakia, while Canada, which narrowly escaped defeat by the Czech Republic on Thursday, will face Finland. Canada and Finland recovered from deficits to win in overtime.
TEAM USA ADVANCES TO MEN’S OLYMPIC HOCKEY SEMIFINAL AFTER EXCITING WIN IN OT
Quinn Hughes of the United States celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal in overtime during a quarterfinal playoff game against Sweden at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Stadium during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games on February 18, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Hughes’ patriotism after the game was a welcome sight for many American fans on social media.
“American heroine Quinn Hughes,” one user wrote on X in response to the star’s quotes.
One user wrote: “This is how every member of Team USA should talk to the cynical media.”
Another user wrote: “People get angry at the comments because they love their country.”
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Quinn Hughes of the United States celebrates after scoring the winning goal against Sweden during overtime of a men’s ice hockey quarterfinal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
Hughes’ expression of love for his country comes during a year in which other American Olympians have openly criticized Team USA athletes. Hunter Hess, Amber Glenn and Mikaela Shiffrin have all made statements criticizing the state of the USA while competing in Italy.
Hughes now joins his hockey teammate Brady Tkachuk openly praises United States and expressing honor and gratitude for representing the country in Milan Cortina.
