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Mike Eruzione just wants everyone to “shut up” and party.
Forty-six years after Eruzione became America’s first true hockey hero, Jack Hughes followed in his footsteps Sunday after scoring a 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, celebrated in Miami and attended the State of the Union address Tuesday after visiting Trump in the Oval Office.
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Former American 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 Images)
The team has since received backlash for its interactions with Trump, including laughter following a joke by the president about needing to invite 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 winner against the Soviets, slammed those who criticized the team.
“When you live in this moment and you have an Olympic gold medal around your neck and the joy that it brought to so many people, who listens to the other side? Who listens to people and complain? Shame on you,” Eruzione told TMZ Sports.
U.S. Hockey Team gold medalists Quinn Hughes, right, his brother Jack Hughes, left, and teammates are recognized by President Donald Trump during the State of the Union address on the House floor of the U.S. Capitol, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
“We live in the best 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 would say 99 percent of our athletes here are proud to represent their country and compete, but they don’t want to talk about it. They have to find something to complain about and complain about. You know what? Shut up and just appreciate what they did.”
Eruzione said he spoke to Jimmy Carter after “Miracle” and “there was no negative press.”
“I’ve said it many times and probably put it on my grave, but other than being a police officer, firefighter or military member who protects and serves our country, there is no greater feeling than putting on an American jersey. You don’t play for Boston, Chicago, New York. You play for your country,” Eruzione said.
Miek Eruzione walks on the ice at Herb Brooks Arena. (Michael Ultra)
Jack Hughes received a raucous ovation upon his return to the NHL on Wednesday, playing in front of his New Jersey Devils fans. He also took Thompson out of the Buffalo Sabres, who were playing the Devils, to ensure his American teammate also had a helping hand.
