Team USA secured its first men's hockey Olympic gold since 1980 with a 2-1 overtime victory over Canada on Sunday, thanks to a goal from Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils. The win sparked reactions across Major League Baseball, where players and coaches expressed excitement and divided loyalties. Many drew parallels to upcoming international baseball competitions.
In a thrilling overtime finish, Team USA defeated Canada 2-1 to claim the gold medal in men's hockey, marking the country's first such victory since the 'Miracle on Ice' in 1980. The game-winning goal came from New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes, prompting widespread celebration in the United States.
Reactions poured in from MLB circles during spring training. Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, a member of Team USA's 2026 World Baseball Classic roster, reflected on the moment: “It’s pretty cool. It’s what we’re walking into.” He added, “I watched the movie ‘Miracle,’ and I’ve watched the Olympics and the 2017 WBC when Team USA won. And I’ve also gotten the chance to play for Team USA a couple times. We haven’t won the gold yet. It’s not a good feeling to go to another country and lose to them. We’re looking to change that.”
At the Toronto Blue Jays' camp, sentiments were mixed. American outfielder George Springer donned a Team USA jersey and hat while taking swings against pitcher Kevin Gausman. Teammate Ernie Clement, also on the WBC squad and known as a hockey enthusiast, joined the celebration. However, manager John Schneider, identifying as an honorary Canadian, expressed support for Canada: “I’m an honorary Canadian. I want them to win, not the U.S. I said it.” He continued, “I don’t like U.S. hockey. I think Canada has the best hockey in the world, so I want Canada to win the Olympics. I said it. I’m sorry.”
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Sal Frelick praised the game: “I mean, that was just an unbelievable game. So sick. Shoutout to [Team USA forward] Matt Boldy. Massachusetts and B.C. guy.” Frelick, from Boston and a Boston College alum like Boldy, shared the enthusiasm with prospect Tyler Black.
Other MLB teams joined in. The Minnesota Twins highlighted Boldy, who plays for the NHL's Minnesota Wild. The Detroit Tigers honored Hughes, a Canton, Michigan, high school graduate from the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper wore a Stars and Stripes bandana during their Grapefruit League game against the Pirates, and the team displayed the game's conclusion on their Clearwater, Florida, scoreboard. Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. arrived in a USA onesie and waved it through the clubhouse after the win. Former pitcher and 2025 Hall of Fame inductee CC Sabathia posted online about tributes to the late Johnny Gaudreau, a former Team USA member who died in August 2024.
Looking ahead, Team USA and Canada are in separate pools for the 2026 World Baseball Classic—Pool B and Pool A, respectively—but a matchup could occur if both advance.
