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Mike Eruzione just wants everyone to “shut up” and celebrate.
Forty-six years after Eruzione became the first true American hockey hero, Jack Hughes followed in his footsteps Sunday after 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 Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. (Brian Fluharty-Imagn Photos)
The team has since received backlash for its interactions with Trump, including laughing at a quip the president made about inviting the women’s team to the State of the Union. Tage Thompson was photographed wearing a MAGA hat, while Jack and Quinn Hughes both wore “45-47 USA” hats.
Eruzione, who scored the game-winning goal against the Soviets, ripped those who criticized the team.
“When you experience that moment and have an Olympic gold medal around your neck and the joy it brought to so many people, who listens to the other side? Who listens to people b—- and complain? Shame on you,” Eruzione told TMZ Sports.
Team USA hockey 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 US Capitol on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
“We live in the greatest country in the world. And to see our athletes perform the way they did, our women’s team as well, 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’d say 99% of our athletes that were there are proud to represent their country and don’t want to talk about anything, but they want to talk about it. b— and complain about, know you what?
Eruzione said he spoke with Jimmy Carter after “The Miracle” and “there was no negative press.”
“I’ve said this many times and probably laid it on my grave, but other than being a police officer, a firefighter or someone in the military who protects and serves our country, there’s no greater feeling than putting on a USA jersey. You’re not playing for Boston, Chicago, New York, you’re playing for your country,” Eruzione said.
Miek Eruzione steps onto the ice at Herb Brooks Arena. (Michael Ultra)
Jack Hughes received a standing ovation in his return to the NHL on Wednesday, playing in front of his New Jersey Devils fans. He also brought Thompson out when the Devils played his Buffalo Sabres, to make sure his USA teammate got a hand as well.
