Jeremy Roenick, former NHL player and Hockey Hall of Famer, spoke out defending Team USA men’s hockey after their landmark gold-medal victory over Canada at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. On Monday, Roenick appeared on Jesse Watters Primetime and criticized those who failed to celebrate the team’s success, emphasizing the historic nature of the win—the first Olympic gold for U.S. men’s hockey since the famous 1980 “Miracle on Ice.”
Shame on everybody for not celebrating this,
Roenick stated regarding the achievement.
Concerns Over Politics Overshadowing Sporting Unity
Roenick expressed disappointment that the team’s accomplishment was marred by political disputes. He said sports are meant to unify the nation rather than divide it, noting that the majority of Americans publicly supported the victory on social media. However, he lamented the politicization creeping into the sport and the detractors who failed to acknowledge the occasion.
And then you turn around and see the politicization of the sport, and it’s just not right,
Roenick remarked.
The hypocrites are coming out in droves and it’s unfortunate we can’t take the greatest moments in sports and all celebrate it. It’s a real shame.
Locker Room Celebration Draws Mixed Reactions
The U.S. men’s hockey team faced backlash following video footage that showed the players celebrating their overtime victory alongside FBI Director Kash Patel. Patel subsequently contacted then-President Donald Trump to offer congratulations on the team’s success. Trump invited the team to attend the State of the Union Address in Washington, D.C., an invitation that several players accepted enthusiastically.
Trump also made a controversial joke regarding the U.S. women’s hockey team, suggesting that bringing them along would have led to his impeachment. The women’s team, which also captured gold by defeating Canada, declined the invitation, citing scheduling conflicts.
Team USA’s Post-Victory Celebrations and Next Moves
After returning to the U.S. on Monday, Olympic star Jack Hughes and the rest of Team USA celebrated their victory in Miami. The players were seen enjoying themselves at the popular nightclub E11EVEN, where they sang the national anthem as part of their festivities. Following Miami, their next destination is Washington, D.C.
Roenick predicted the team would continue their spirited representation of the United States at the State of the Union event despite any fatigue from their rigorous schedule. He praised the players’ pride and the leadership of the president, asserting that both the country and its sports are thriving.
There’s going to be a lot of droopy eyes,
Roenick said. “There’s gonna be a lot of hair all messed up but I’m telling you, they’re gonna represent the U.S. exactly like they did over there in Italy. They’re gonna show up with pride. They’re gonna put their thumbs up to the president, who is doing an amazing job.
Our country has never been better and our sports, and hockey, has never been better. And that is something to be proud of.
