NHL legend Jeremy Roenick slams critics of Team USA’s historic gold medal win at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Discover why the hockey world is buzzing after their victory over Canada and the subsequent political firestorm.
The ice has barely melted in Milan, but the heat is rising back home. After Team USA’s thrilling gold medal victory at the 2026 Winter Olympics, the conversation has shifted from incredible goals to intense political debates. NHL legend Jeremy Roenick is officially fed up with the noise.
Team USA Hockey: Quick Victory Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Event | 2026 Winter Olympics (Milano Cortina) |
| Opponent | Team Canada |
| Result | Gold Medal (USA) |
| Key Defender | Jeremy Roenick (Former NHL Star/Commentator) |
| Controversy | Post-game call with President Donald Trump |
A Historic Win at the 2026 Winter Olympics
The 2026 Winter Olympics delivered exactly what hockey fans wanted: a high-stakes showdown between the United States and Canada. When the final buzzer sounded in Italy on February 22, 2026, the Americans stood atop the podium. It was a moment of pure sporting excellence that should have dominated the headlines for weeks.
However, the celebration was quickly clouded. Following the game, the team shared a celebratory phone call with President Donald Trump in the locker room. The President invited the gold medalists to his upcoming State of the Union address—an invitation many players accepted with visible excitement. Almost instantly, social media fractured, with some fans criticizing the team for making the moment “political.”
Jeremy Roenick Calls Out the “Hypocrites”
Appearing on “Jesse Watters Primetime,” former NHL star Jeremy Roenick didn’t hold back. He expressed deep frustration that such a monumental achievement at the 2026 Winter Olympics was being picked apart by critics. “It’s a real shame,” Roenick lamented, arguing that sports are meant to be the one thing that brings a divided country together.
Roenick highlighted that while 99% of Americans were likely thrilled by the win, a vocal minority has focused on the politicization of the event. To Roenick, the players were simply showing pride in their country and respect for the office of the Presidency. He called out the “droves of hypocrites” who he feels are unable to separate athletic greatness from partisan leanings.
From Italy to Miami: The Victory Tour
After clinching the gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics, the team didn’t just head home to rest. They embarked on a high-energy victory tour that started with a flight back to the States and a celebratory bus ride through South Beach, Miami. The players were seen enjoying dinner at an upscale restaurant before heading to the famous E11EVEN nightclub to celebrate their hard-earned hardware.
Roenick joked about the “droopy eyes” and “messed up hair” the players might have after a night of partying, but his message remained serious: these athletes represented the U.S. with pride in Italy, and they continue to do so back on American soil. Whether they are at a nightclub in Miami or the White House in D.C., Roenick insists they deserve nothing but applause.
The Role of Sports in a Divided Nation
The fallout from the 2026 Winter Olympics raises a recurring question: can sports ever truly be apolitical? For Roenick, the answer should be a resounding yes. He believes that the jersey—the Red, White, and Blue—should supersede any individual political stance.
Winning gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics is the pinnacle of an athlete’s career. When the team beat Canada, they weren’t playing for a political party; they were playing for the name on the front of the jersey. Roenick’s defense of the team serves as a reminder that these moments of national triumph are rare and should be cherished, regardless of who is in the Oval Office.
Conclusion: A Legacy Beyond the Controversy
Years from now, the record books won’t show the social media arguments or the phone calls; they will show that the United States won the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Jeremy Roenick’s passionate defense highlights a desire to return to a time when a gold medal was a source of universal celebration.
The players’ journey from the rinks of Italy to the streets of Miami is a testament to their dedication. As they prepare to head to the State of the Union, the hope is that the focus shifts back to their incredible skill on the ice. After all, a victory at the 2026 Winter Olympics is a win for every American fan who loves the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who did Team USA beat to win gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics? The United States defeated their long-time rivals, Team Canada, in the final game held in Italy.
2. Why is there a controversy surrounding the team’s win? Much of the criticism stems from the team’s post-game phone call with President Donald Trump and their excitement about attending the State of the Union address.
3. What did Jeremy Roenick say about the critics? Roenick called the criticism “a real shame” and labeled those politicizing the win as “hypocrites,” arguing that sports should unite the country.
4. Where did the team celebrate after returning from the 2026 Winter Olympics? The team was spotted celebrating in South Beach, Miami, including a dinner and a night out at the club E11EVEN.
5. How often does the U.S. win gold in men’s hockey? Gold medals for the U.S. men’s team are rare and historic events, making the 2026 Winter Olympics victory a significant milestone in USA Hockey history.
