Photo: Alamy
It is fitting that President Donald J. Trump, born on Flag Day, will serve as president during the nation’s 250th birthday, and he was the first sitting president to witness the men’s national hockey team win gold in 46 years.
While hockey might not be the most popular sport in the United States, it certainly will gain followers after the impressive performance of the men’s hockey team in the 2026 Olympics, including the patriotism embodied by the team and the undeniable pride in America from game-winner Jack Hughes, bloodied at the mouth and flying the American flag.
It was not just Hughes, but others like Matthew and Brady Tkachuk who proudly stood up for America, acknowledging it was the greatest honor of their lives to represent the nation. In the days following their gold victory, J.T. Miller was even seen singing Toby Keith’s legendary song, “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue.”
Is hockey the new patriotic sport? It certainly could be. The famed chant of “USA, USA,” heard at almost all sporting and patriotic events, gained popularity at the 1980 Winter Olympics, when the U.S. men’s hockey team defeated the Soviets.
In a day when sports have been infiltrated with wokeness and politics, the men’s hockey team refused to surrender to political correctness. They did not criticize their nation or their leader. They did not kneel. Yet they flew the flag and wore it with pride. They celebrated as Americans, united as one.
The pictures of victory are linked to the 1980 Miracle on Ice and even the famed photos from World War II. It was not just about a hockey game; it was about representing 1776, the principles and foundations of American patriotism. The players also offered full praise for the U.S. military and the gratefulness of American democracy.
It goes without saying that MAGA and many other Americans of this generation probably became hockey fans.
The players representing America proved to the liberal world that American patriotism is alive, just as it was in 1980 and 1941, and yes, even 1776.
This team, perhaps more than any team in recent history, embodied the president of the United States in their determination and patriotism. Players united for a mission, one centered on appreciation for their country.
They played with grit, strength and confidence, traits long associated with American exceptionalism.
There was no apology in their celebration, yet they understood that representing the United States was not about athletic talent, but about honoring the millions who have sacrificed to preserve freedom.
When the anthem played, they sang with passion. When the flag was raised, they looked upward with pride. In many ways, their performance was symbolic of a broader national renewal, one that has gained popularity since President Trump walked down the escalator.
The victory is a genuine reminder that the American spirit is not broken. Right when you think wokeness and socialism have conquered the land, the men’s USA hockey team appears, standing right alongside President Trump.
