US Olympic hockey star Quinn Hughes calls America 'greatest country in the world' after game-winning shot

Quinn Hughes scored an overtime goal to give Team USA a dramatic 2-1 victory over Sweden in Olympic men's hockey qualifying, advancing the Americans in their quest for gold. Olympics US Olympic hockey star Quinn Hughes calls America 'greatest country in the world' after game-winning shot 'I love the US, and it's the greatest country in the world,' Hughes said By Jackson Thompson Fox News Published February 18, 2026 9:33pm EST Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video US may be the 'global villain' of Winter Olympics, CNN host and NY Mag sports writer say CNN host Audie Cornish and New York Magazine's Will Leitch suggested during a recent podcast that the U.S. could become the ‘global villain’ of the 2026 Winter Olympics. NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! NHL star Quinn Hughes became an Olympic hero for Team USA when he hit an overtime goal to lift his country over Sweden in the men's hockey qualifying round. His statements after the game may have made him a national hero among many Americans. "It's special," Hughes told reporters of seeing American flags and hearing "U-S-A" chants in the arena. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Quinn Hughes of the United States celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal in overtime during a quarterfinal playoff match against Sweden at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 18, 2026, during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, Italy. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) "I love the U.S., and it's the greatest country in the world. So, I'm happy to represent here with these guys, and it was very special." Hughes' overtime goal delivered the U.S. a dramatic 2-1 victory as the team continues its quest for a gold medal. The U.S. couldn't connect on its first five shots of overtime, but, on the sixth, Hughes rang one off the inside of the post that crossed the line to give the Americans the win. The Americans will take on Slovakia, while Canada, which narrowly escaped being upset by the Czech Republic earlier Thursday, will go against Finland. Canada and Finland both rallied back from deficits to win in overtime.TEAM USA ADVANCES TO OLYMPIC MEN'S HOCKEY SEMIFINAL AFTER EXHILARATING OVERTIME WINNER Quinn Hughes of the United States celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal in overtime during a quarterfinal playoff match against Sweden at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games Feb. 18, 2026, in Milan, Italy. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) Hughes' postgame patriotism was a welcome sight for many American fans on social media. "American Hero Quinn Hughes," one user wrote on X in response to the star's quotes. One user wrote, "This is how every member of Team USA should talk to the cynical media.."Another user wrote, "Folks mad in the comments cause he loves his country." CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP The United States' Quinn Hughes celebrates after scoring the winning goal against Sweden during overtime of a men's ice hockey quarterfinal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)Hughes' expression of love for his country comes during a year when other American Olympians have been openly critical of the U.S. Team USA athletes Hunter Hess, Amber Glenn and Mikaela Shiffrin have all made statements criticizing the state of the U.S. while competing in Italy. Hughes now joins hockey teammate Brady Tkachuk in openly praising the U.S. and expressing honor and gratitude for representing the country in Milan Cortina. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Jackson Thompson is a sports reporter for Fox News Digital covering critical political and cultural issues in sports, with an investigative lens. Jackson's reporting has been cited in federal government actions related to the enforcement of Title IX, and in legacy media outlets including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Associated Press and ESPN.com. Related Topics OlympicsNHLSports Fox News First Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. Arrives Weekdays By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time. Subscribe Subscribed Subscribe You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!