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Former NHL star Jeremy Roenick condemned those who chose not to celebrate the U.S. men’s hockey team’s gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Roenick appeared on “Jesse Watters Primetime” Monday and talked about what it meant for USA Hockey to win the gold medal, particularly against Canada, but lamented the criticism directed at the team.
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The United States celebrates after winning the men’s ice hockey gold medal game during the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games at the Milan Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026. (James Lang/Imagn Images)
“Shame on everyone for not celebrating this,” Roenick said. “Sports isn’t supposed to be political. It’s supposed to unite the country. We’re all supposed to come together and believe in one thing. I think 99 percent of Americans on social media loved it. And then you turn around and see the politicization of sports and it’s just not right. The hypocrites are coming out in droves and it’s a shame we can’t enjoy the biggest moments in sports and celebrate them all. It’s a shame.”
The majority of criticism leveled at the U.S. team came after players spoke on the phone with President Donald Trump in the locker room. The president invited the team to his State of the Union address and several players expressed excitement for the opportunity.
San Jose Sharks center Jeremy Roenick (27) speaks 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)
First, on Monday, the team returned to the United States from Italy. Afterward, the team boarded a bus and drove around South Beach, Miami, before dining at an upscale restaurant. The players then celebrated at E11EVEN.
“There’s going to be a lot of droopy eyes,” Roenick added. “There’s going to be a lot of hair ruffled but I’m telling you, they’re going to represent the United States just like they did over in Italy. They’re going to show up with pride. They’re going to give a thumbs up to the president, who’s doing an incredible job.
The United States celebrates after winning the men’s ice hockey gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. (James Lang/Imagn Images)
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“Our country has never been better and our sports, including hockey, have never been better. And that’s something we can be proud of.”
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