‘Proud to be an American’: USA hockey and Jack Hughes win historic gold after 46-year wait

Amid some politically divisive times, a hockey team led by a player with a broken-tooth grin became an instant symbol of joy and resilience Sunday – and, at least for the moment, united the nation once again.

American Jack Hughes lost a tooth and spilled some blood after being struck by a high stick but battled through and slipped the puck under the opposing goalie in overtime for a cinematic 2–1 victory over archrival Canada in the gold medal Olympic game in Italy, the first men’s hockey gold for the United States since 1980.

Ironically – or perhaps poetically – the victory came on the 46th anniversary of that 1980 team’s stunning defeat of the Soviet Union in the semifinal round. That game was later dramatized in the Disney film Miracle. Sunday’s triumph felt worthy of the big screen as well.

Hughes posted “I love my country” on Instagram moments after the win – a message he underscored again and again in postgame interviews.

“This is all about our country right now,” Hughes told NBC, blood still seeping from his gums. The hockey forward scored a team-leading four goals in the tournament to go along with three assists. “I love the USA. I love my teammates. It’s unbelievable. The USA hockey brotherhood is so strong.

“I’m so proud to be an American.”

That sentiment was echoed during a postgame news conference before a room of international reporters, when team captain Auston Matthews was asked about President Donald Trump’s call to the players in the locker room.

“We’re all proud Americans, obviously,” said Matthews, a forward who ended the tournament with three goals and four assists. “This is a huge moment for us. It’s a huge moment for the United States. And he called and just congratulated us.

“It’s an honor to wear this jersey and to represent the U.S. and to go home with a gold medal.”

Hughes’ brother, Quinn Hughes, said after the game, “It’s just so special and I want to thank our troops for allowing us to play this game.”

Trump invited the men’s team to Tuesday’s State of the Union address in Washington, D.C., although it is unknown how many might attend. The team is composed of players from the NHL, which is scheduled to begin its season again Wednesday following a mid-winter break for the Olympics.

Meanwhile, American Olympians in other sports voiced disclaimers when speaking about representing their country. Freestyle skier Hunter Hess, for example, drew criticism for telling media members: “Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.” Later, Hess clarified his comments in an Instagram post: “There is so much that is great about America, but there are always things that could be better. One of the many things that makes this country so amazing is that we have the right and the freedom to point that out.”

Meanwhile, NBC Sports’ Mike Tirico earned applause from across the political spectrum for a call to unity. He pointed out that this year’s Olympians stood on the shoulders of earlier teams – including the 2010 U.S. squad that fell to Canada but won silver, and the 2014 team that lost to the Canadians in the semifinals.

The video of his remarks has surpassed 2 million views.

“Those dreams are formed now,” he said, addressing America’s young athletes. “Go chase them and go get them – because our country loves sports, and it brings us together unlike anything else. And if you didn’t know that, if you haven’t been watching the last two weeks, you saw it in Team USA hockey winning the gold.”

Photo credit: Jack Hughes and Quinn Hughes (Instagram)