Jeremy Roenick: 'It's a real shame' — Outrage Mob Is Ruining U.S. Hockey's Golden Moment
Former NHL star jeremy roenick pushed back strongly against critics who refused to celebrate Team USA men's hockey after the team's gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, saying the politicization of the victory has turned what should have been a unifying moment into a controversy. Roenick framed the debate as a loss for fans and athletes who expected sport to bring the country together.
Jeremy Roenick on politicization and the reaction to the gold
Roenick said he was disappointed that some responses to the team's victory focused on politics rather than the achievement on the ice. He described the backlash as coming in "droves" and called it a shame that people could not set aside politics to celebrate. He urged that sports are meant to unite the country and expressed frustration at the rapid turn from celebration to criticism on social media.
What sparked the criticism and how the team celebrated
The criticism largely followed a locker-room phone call between members of Team USA and President Donald Trump, after which several players were invited to the State of the Union address and expressed excitement about the opportunity. Roenick pointed out that those developments prompted much of the negative reaction.
After returning from Italy, the team followed a packed schedule at home: the players flew back to the U. S., rode a bus through South Beach, Miami, had dinner at an upscale restaurant, and later celebrated at a Miami venue known for late-night festivities. Roenick acknowledged the likelihood of tired players the next day but predicted they would represent the country with pride.
Why the moment matters — and what could come next
Roenick framed the controversy as part of a broader trend of injecting politics into sports moments that traditionally serve as communal celebration. He argued that most fans embraced the win, and that the current debate risks overshadowing the achievement of American hockey at the international level. He emphasized that the team's on-ice performance reflected well on the country's position in the sport.
Looking ahead, Roenick suggested the players will continue to represent the United States with pride despite the backlash and public scrutiny tied to their interactions with political figures. He also defended the notion that athletic success should be a unifying force rather than a flashpoint for partisan dispute.
Reaction, unity and the culture of sports
The exchange underscores a persistent tension between sports as spectacle and sports as a platform for political expression. Roenick's comments make clear he believes recent reactions have robbed fans and athletes of a rare national moment to rally around shared achievement. He urged viewers and fans to reclaim the celebratory aspect of the victory and warned that continuing to politicize similar events will keep future moments from being enjoyed by the broad public.
Recent updates indicate this conversation is ongoing and may evolve as the team continues public appearances. Details may change as players and public figures respond in the days ahead.
