Team USA’s hero Quinn Hughes felt the love from fans—and returned it.
After scoring the overtime winner to secure a 2-1 quarterfinal victory over Sweden at the Winter Olympics on Wednesday, Hughes spoke warmly about the enthusiastic reception he and his fellow men’s hockey stars have received in Italy.
The Americans now advance to face Slovakia in the semifinals on Friday.
Quinn Hughes spoke with @NBCNews immediately after scoring the OT game-winner against Sweden in the Olympics. pic.twitter.com/7SwdPl15Xk
— Greg Rosenstein (@grosenstein) February 18, 2026
“It’s special,” Quinn Hughes told NBC about the crowd’s reaction. “I love the U.S., and it’s the greatest country in the world. Happy to represent it here with these guys—it’s really special.”
How American athletes talk about their home country has become a notable storyline at the 2026 Winter Olympics, sparking debates and even political reactions.
Freestyle skier Hunter Hess faced criticism for expressing his views, prompting former President Donald Trump to call him a “loser” on his Truth Social channel.
“U.S. Olympic Skier, Hunter Hess, a real Loser, says he doesn’t represent his Country in the current Winter Olympics,” Trump wrote earlier this month. “If that’s the case, he shouldn’t have tried out for the Team, and it’s too bad he’s on it. Very hard to root for someone like this. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Team USA Defenseman Quinn Hughes Celebrates Overtime Winner vs. Sweden in 2026 Olympic Quarterfinals – Feb. 18, 2026
Team USA Fans Celebrate Quinn Hughes’ OT Heroics
Florida native Quinn Hughes, who plays for the Minnesota Wild, expressed pride in representing his home country after leading Team USA to a thrilling 2-1 quarterfinal win over Sweden at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The American men’s hockey team, aiming to rebound from a disappointing 2022 tournament, is now just two victories away from Olympic gold. Hughes delivered the game-winning goal 3:27 into overtime, after Rangers center Mika Zibanejad had tied the game for Sweden in the third period.
“Just tried to create some space for myself and was able to get it to my forehand and get a shot off,” Hughes told NBC following the win.
Looking ahead, the Americans are heavy favorites against Slovakia in the semifinals, with a potential gold-medal matchup looming against Canada, which is also favored against Finland in the other semifinal Friday.
Team USA last won Olympic gold in men’s hockey during the iconic 1980 Lake Placid Games, famously known as the “Miracle on Ice.”
Reflecting on the quick turnaround after his overtime heroics against Sweden, Quinn Hughes told NBC, “I think you just want to move on and be ready to go and get your feet up next 24 hours and be ready to go.”
