NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
NHL star Quinn Hughes became an Olympic hero for Team USA when he scored an overtime goal to help his country beat Sweden in the men’s hockey qualifying round.
His postgame statements 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.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
Quinn Hughes of the United States celebrates with teammates after scoring an overtime goal during a quarterfinal playoff game against Sweden at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 18, 2026, during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, Italy. (Grégory Shamus/Getty Images)
“I love the United States and it’s the greatest country in the world, so I’m happy to represent here with these guys, and it was very special.”
Hughes’ overtime goal gave the United States a dramatic 2-1 victory as the team continues its quest for a gold medal.
The United States failed to score on its first five shots in overtime, but on the sixth shot, Hughes hit a shot inside the post that crossed the finish line to give the Americans the victory.
The Americans will face Slovakia, while Canada, which narrowly escaped being upset by the Czech Republic earlier Thursday, will face Finland. Canada and Finland both rallied from deficits to win in overtime.
TEAM USA ADVANCES TO MEN’S OLYMPIC HOCKEY SEMI-FINAL AFTER EXHILARATING 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 Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games on February 18, 2026, in Milan, Italy. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Hughes’ post-match patriotism was a welcome sight for many American fans on social media.
“American hero Quinn Hughes,” one user wrote on X in response to the star’s quotes.
One user wrote: “This is how every member of Team USA should speak to the cynical media…”
Another user wrote: “People are crazy in the comments because he loves his country.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PK Press Club APP
Quinn Hughes of the United States celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal against Sweden in overtime of a men’s ice hockey quarterfinal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
Hughes’ expression of love for his country comes during a year when other U.S. Olympians have openly criticized 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 his hockey teammate Brady Tkachuk openly praises the United States and expressing his honor and gratitude for representing the country in Milan Cortina.
