Charlie McAvoy Discusses Jaw Issues, Olympic Magic, and Team USA’s Moment

Charlie McAvoy, a prominent player on Team USA, recently opened up about his ongoing jaw issues and his excitement for the upcoming Olympics in Italy. Despite experiencing significant discomfort, he remains focused on competing for his team. “Honestly, my jaw hurts a lot. Can’t really chew, it’s constant pain,” he admitted. This marks yet another challenge for McAvoy, who faced a separated shoulder last year that became infected.

Injury Challenges

McAvoy has been through a tough year medically. He underwent a procedure where his jaw was wired shut following an incident on November 15. The severity of his injury was evident when he recognized the potential impact on his Olympic participation.

Team Spirit and Commitment

“In my head, I have the Olympics. I can’t lose this opportunity to come to Italy,” he expressed. His dedication to his teammates is clear, as he emphasized the importance of securing points for the group. Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman praised McAvoy’s determination in wanting to contribute to Team USA’s success.

Support from Team USA

• US General Manager Bill Guerin highlighted McAvoy’s character, stating, “His toughness and grit are through the roof.”
• McAvoy is among the Bruins’ players carrying strong leadership traits, following in the footsteps of veterans like Patrice Bergeron.

Upcoming Challenges

The upcoming match against Latvia, coincidentally featuring Vilmanis—the player who injured him—is on the horizon. However, with the strict regulations around fighting at the Olympics, retaliation is not an option.

Olympic Excitement

McAvoy expressed his exhilaration about the Winter Games. “We have enough superstars, and it’s been a while since we’ve won anything really big at the men’s level,” he remarked, reflecting on the team’s recent success at the World Championships.

Journey to the Olympics

Traveling from Fort Lauderdale to Boston and then to Italy, McAvoy and his teammates experienced fatigue but were filled with anticipation. He joined the group for the Opening Ceremony, sharing memorable moments with fellow athletes and soaking in the atmosphere.

Reflecting on the Experience

For McAvoy, participating in the Olympics is a dream come true. He described the pride of representing his country and shared the emotional moments, such as witnessing David Pastrnak carry the Czech flag.

Overall, McAvoy is determined to push through his current challenges and showcase his skills on the Olympic stage, embodying the spirit of dedication and teamwork.