On the 19th of February, the women’s team started with a gold medal win over Canada. Though the game started out rough with the US being down 0-1 in the third period, they managed a goal. Ultimately, the game ends with nobody being able to pull out a goal.
The game goes into overtime, and with the gold on the line, Megan Keller scores a goal for the United States, ending the game. This gold win was great for the team and the US, but it also put pressure on the men’s shoulders for their game a couple of days later.
On February 22nd, the US men’s game against the Canadians began, but with all of the pressure on them to fill the shoes the women had left.
The game went into overtime, being tied at 1-1. In overtime, Macklin Celebrini had a clear breakaway, but Hellebuyck denied him with a pad save. Shortly after, New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes scored the overtime goal to stop the playoff drought for the US men’s hockey team.
The victory turned heads and brought Americans together throughout the country, notably impacting fans of the sport.
“It boosts national pride,” said Senior Anthony Valensuela. “Hockey isn’t the biggest sport around, so when we win gold, it makes it talked about and gets more kids wanting to play.”
The gold medals not only mean more Olympic pride for the US, but it also brings a large amount of national attention. However, it is questionable as to whether the wins keep people intrigued enough to learn about the players.
The win should inspire women and men to play hockey or at least follow the sport, but Senior Daniel Ferrucci says otherwise.
“It’s a temporary excitement, it’s great, but I don’t think it will get people to like the sport for more than a month.”
While this could be the USA winning gold, it is a phenomenal achievement that hasn’t been accomplished in a long time. Even if it doesn’t inspire, there is no doubt that winning the gold is extraordinary for the US.
When all is said and done, it’s good to take in the wins. Valensula echoes this sentiment, stating, “Older veterans may retire for younger talent, so we’re lucky we got to see these guys get a gold.”
