Jeremy Roenick Defends Team USA Men’s Hockey Amid Criticism Following Olympic Gold
MILANO, Italy — In the wake of Team USA’s triumphant gold medal victory at the 2026 Winter Olympics, former NHL star Jeremy Roenick voiced strong criticism of those who have chosen to diminish the achievement. Appearing Monday on Fox News Channel’s “Jesse Watters Primetime”, Roenick lamented the politicization of the sport and urged Americans to unite in celebration rather than division.
“Shame on everybody for not celebrating this,” Roenick said, reflecting on the significance of the victory over Canada in the men’s ice hockey final. “Sports is not supposed to be political. It’s supposed to unite the country. We’re all supposed to get together and believe in one thing.”
The gold medal win, which took place at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, marked a historic moment for USA Hockey and sparked widespread jubilation across the nation. However, Roenick pointed out that despite the overwhelming support from fans—especially on social media—there has been a vocal minority who have criticized the team, particularly after players engaged with President Donald Trump at the White House following their victory.
Roenick’s remarks come amid a broader national conversation about the intersection of sports and politics. While many Americans see athletic achievements as moments to transcend political divides, others have viewed the players’ interactions with the president as controversial. Roenick called this reaction “a real shame,” emphasizing that the focus should remain on the athletes’ dedication and the unifying power of sports.
The former NHL star’s defense of Team USA aligns with sentiments expressed by many in the sports community who believe that athletic competition should be a source of national pride and cohesion. The USA Hockey organization celebrated the team’s success as a testament to hard work and perseverance, highlighting the significance of defeating a perennial powerhouse like Canada on the Olympic stage.
The 2026 Winter Olympics themselves drew global attention, with the International Olympic Committee overseeing a well-organized event that showcased top-tier talent from around the world. The games also provided a platform for athletes to demonstrate excellence amid challenging circumstances, including heightened media scrutiny and political tensions.
Roenick’s comments underscore ongoing debates about the role of athletes in political discourse. While some advocate for athletes to use their platforms to address social issues, others argue for a separation between sports and politics to preserve the spirit of competition and unity. The controversy surrounding Team USA’s celebration and subsequent White House visit exemplifies this tension.
As the nation reflects on the Olympic triumph, many hope that the focus will return to the inspiring athletic feats that brought Americans together. The Olympic Games have long been a stage for fostering international goodwill, and supporters of Team USA’s men’s hockey team are calling for recognition of their hard-earned success without partisan interference.
In closing, Roenick urged the public to embrace the joy of the moment and honor the athletes’ accomplishments. “It’s a real shame we can’t take the greatest moments in sports and all celebrate it,” he said. “The hypocrites are coming out in droves and it’s unfortunate.”
As Team USA’s men’s hockey players continue to bask in their historic victory, the conversation about sportsmanship, patriotism, and politics remains a poignant reminder of the complex role sports play in American society.
Leave a Reply