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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 statements after the game may have made him a national hero among many Americans.
“It’s special,” Hughes told reporters of seeing American flags and hearing “USA” chants in the arena.
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Quinn Hughes of the United States celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal in overtime during a quarterfinal playoff game against Sweden at Milan Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 18, 2026 during the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan, Italy. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
“I love the USA and it’s the best country in the world. So I’m happy to represent here with these guys and it was very special.”
Hughes’ overtime goal gave the USA a dramatic 2-1 win as the team continues its quest for a gold medal.
The U.S. couldn’t connect on its first five shots of overtime, but in the sixth, Hughes rang one off the inside of the post that crossed the line to give the Americans the victory.
The Americans take on Slovakia, while Canada, who narrowly escaped being upset by the Czech Republic earlier Thursday, take on Finland. Canada and Finland both came back from deficits to win in overtime.
TEAM USA ADVANCED TO OLYMPIC MALE HOCKEY SEMI-FINALS AFTER STRIKING OVERTIME WINNER
Quinn Hughes of the United States celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal in overtime during a quarterfinal playoff game against Sweden at the Milan Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena during the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games on February 18, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Hughes’ post-game patriotism was a welcome sight for many American fans on social media.
“American Hero Quinn Hughes,” wrote one user 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 are mad in the comments because he loves his country.”
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USA’s Quinn Hughes celebrates after scoring the winning goal against Sweden during overtime of a men’s ice hockey quarterfinal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
Hughes’ expression of love for her country comes during a year in which other American Olympians have been openly critical of American Team USA athletes Hunter Hess, Amber Glenn and Mikaela Shiffrin have all made statements criticizing the state of the United States while competing in Italy.
Hughes now joins hockey teammate Brady Tkachuk openly praises USA and expresses honor and gratitude to represent the country in Milano Cortina.
