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Former NHL star Jeremy Roenick condemned those who have chosen not to celebrate Team USA men’s hockey gold medal victory at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Roenick appeared on “Jesse Watters Primetime” on Monday and talked about what it meant to USA Hockey to win the gold medal, especially over Canada, but lamented criticism directed at the team.
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The United States celebrates after winning the men’s ice hockey gold medal during the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at the Milan Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026. (James Lang/Imagn Images)
“Shame on everybody for not celebrating this,” Roenick said. “Sports is not supposed to be political. It’s supposed to unite the country. We’re all supposed to stand 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. Those hypocrites are coming out in droves and it’s unfortunate and it’s unfortunate that we can embrace all sports. celebrate it. It’s a real shame.”
Most of the criticism directed at Team USA came after the players spoke to President Donald Trump over the phone in the locker room. The president invited the team to his State of the Union address, and several players expressed excitement about 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)
Only on Monday did the team from Italy fly back to the USA. The team then boarded a bus and toured South Beach, Miami before dining at an upscale restaurant. The players then partied at E11EVEN.
“There’s going to be a lot of drooping eyes,” Roenick added. “There’s going to be a lot of hair in the mess, but I’m telling you, they’re going to represent the United States just like they did over there in Italy. They’re going to show up with pride. They’re going to give the president a thumbs up, who’s doing a great job.
The United States celebrates after winning the men’s ice hockey gold medal during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at the Milan Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. (James Lang/Imagn Images)
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“Our country has never been better and our sport and hockey has never been better. And that’s something to be proud of.”
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