Pete Hegseth hails Team USA for honoring troops after gold medal win over Canada: ‘Means everything’

WASHINGTON, DC: Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth expressed joy and openly praised Team USA after their memorable win, especially for taking a moment to recognize the troops. He delivered a strong public message of support following the team’s victory over Canada.

Team USA secured men’s ice hockey gold at the Winter Olympics for the first time in 46 years. Jack Hughes scored the winning goal in overtime to give the United States a 2–1 victory over Canada on Sunday, February 22. Along with Hegseth, President Donald Trump also extended congratulations to the team, praising the players for their outstanding achievement.

Pete Hegseth reacts as Team USA honors troops post-victory

Pete Hegseth appeared genuinely delighted, judging by the message he shared on X (formerly Twitter). After Team USA’s win over Canada, he highlighted the team’s tribute to American troops and made it clear how much the gesture meant to him. He wrote, "“I want to thank our troops for allowing us to play this game.” 

He further added, "This means more than most folks realize. Perspective. Appreciation. Patriotism. That’s all our troops ask for. Means everything. Thank you @usahockey." Along with his message, he shared a brief 16-second clip. In the video, members of the US hockey team are seen expressing gratitude to the troops and speaking about the support they receive from back home.

Trump celebrates Team USA’s gold medal win

Donald Trump reacted with excitement after the big win. He wrote on Truth Social, “Congratulations to our great USA Ice Hockey team. THEY WON THE GOLD. WOW!” He also added, “WHAT A GAME!”

Jack Hughes scored the winning goal just 1 minute and 41 seconds into overtime, giving the United States a victory over Canada. It marked the first Olympic gold medal in men’s hockey for Team USA since the famous 1980 “Miracle on Ice” win over the Soviet Union in Lake Placid.

Tensions between the United States and Canada had grown over the past year. When the American players came onto the ice for warm-ups at Santagiulia Arena, many Canadian fans booed loudly.

The mood soon shifted as fans began chanting “USA, USA,” with cheers growing louder after Matt Boldy scored in the first period. After the final whistle, the celebration turned emotional as the American players skated around the rink holding a jersey with the name Gaudreau and the number 13.

They honored Johnny Gaudreau, who died in August 2024 alongside his brother, Matthew Gaudreau, after a drunk driver struck them while they were riding bicycles in New Jersey.