Quinn Hughes calls America ‘greatest country in the world’ after game-winner
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NHL star Quinn Hughes became Team USA’s Olympic hero when he scored in overtime to lift his country above Sweden in the men’s hockey qualifying round.
His statements after the game may have made him a national hero among many Americans.
Hughes told reporters he saw American flags and heard chants of “USA” in the arena.
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Quinn Hughes of the United States celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal in overtime during the quarterfinal playoff game against Sweden at the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan Cortina on February 18, 2026. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
“I love the USA and it’s the greatest country in the world. So I’m happy to represent here with these guys and it was special.”
Hughes’ overtime goal gave the USA a dramatic 2-1 victory as the team continued its quest for the gold medal.
The USA failed to connect in the first five shots of overtime, but in the sixth shot Hughes stole one inside the post that crossed the line to give the Americans the win.
The Americans will face Slovakia, while Canada, which narrowly avoided being upset by the Czech Republic earlier Thursday, will face Finland. Canada and Finland rallied from deficits to win in overtime.
TEAM USA ADVANCES TO OLYMPIC MEN’S HOCKEY SEMI-FINALS AFTER EXCITING OT WIN
Quinn Hughes of the United States celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal in overtime during the quarterfinal playoff game against Sweden at the Milan Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena during the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, Italy on February 18, 2026. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Hughes’ post-match patriotism was a welcome sight for many American fans on social media.
“American Hero Quinn Hughes,” one user wrote to X in response to the star’s remarks.
“This is how every member of Team USA should talk to the cynical media,” one user wrote.
Another user said, “People are angry with the comments because they love their country.” he wrote.
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Quinn Hughes of the United States celebrates scoring the winning goal against Sweden during overtime during the men’s ice hockey quarterfinal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
Hughes’ love for his country came in a year when other American Olympians were openly criticizing Team USA athletes. Hunter Hess, Amber Glenn and Mikaela Shiffrin made statements criticizing the US situation while competing in Italy.
Hughes now joins hockey teammate Brady Tkachuk openly praised I am honored and grateful to represent the USA at Milan Cortina.
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