Quinn Hughes calls America ‘the greatest country in the world’ after winning the match
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NHL star Quinn Hughes became Team USA’s Olympic hero when he scored an overtime goal to lift his country over Sweden in the men’s hockey qualifying round.
His post-game statements may have made him a national hero to many Americans.
“It’s special,” Hughes told reporters about seeing American flags and hearing “USA” chants on the field.
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Quinn Hughes of the United States celebrates with a teammate after scoring a goal in overtime during the quarterfinal playoff game against Sweden at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 18, 2026, during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, Italy. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
“I love the US, and it’s the greatest country in the world. So, I’m happy to represent here with these guys, and it was very special.”
Hughes’ overtime goal gave the US a dramatic 2-1 victory as the team continued its quest for the gold medal.
The US couldn’t connect on its first five overtime shots, but, in the sixth, Hughes hit an inside goal that crossed the line to give the Americans the win.
The Americans will face Slovakia, while Canada, which narrowly escaped an upset by the Czech Republic earlier Thursday, will face Finland. Canada and Finland both came back from dropouts to win in overtime.
TEAM USA ADVANCES TO OLYMPIC MEN’S SEMIFINALS AFTER OVERTIME WINNER
Quinn Hughes of the United States celebrates with a teammate after scoring a goal in overtime during the quarterfinal playoff game against Sweden at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games Feb. 18, 2026, Milan, Italy. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Hughes’ patriotism was a welcome sight to many American fans on social media.
“American hero Quinn Hughes,” one user wrote on X in response to the star’s quotes.
One user wrote, “This is how every member of Team USA should talk to the critical media..”
One user wrote, “Crazy people in the comments cause he loves his country.”
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Quinn Hughes of the United States celebrates after scoring the winning goal against Sweden during overtime of the ice hockey quarterfinal match at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
Hughes’ display of love for her country comes amid a year in which other American Olympians have been openly critical of US Team USA athletes Hunter Hess, Amber Glenn and Mikaela Shiffrin who all made statements criticizing the state of the US while competing in Italy.
Now Hughes joins his hockey teammates Brady Tkachuk in public praise the US and to express honor and gratitude for representing the country in Milan Cortina.
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