Chris Chelios praised Team USA’s Olympic triumph at the 2026 Milano Cortina Games. Chelios believes it will have a generational impact on the sport as a whole.
The former Stanley Cup winner commended the NHL for its commitment to best-on-best international hockey. Its return to the world stage was long overdue and followed last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off, which received rave reviews.
Team USA lost to Canada in overtime in the 4 Nations Face-Off finals. However, they got their revenge by defeating Canada in overtime to win the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Games. It was a historic victory for the Americans, who won gold on the 46th anniversary of their last Olympic gold medal victory in men’s hockey.
Chelios represented Team USA on several occasions throughout his career. The Hall of Fame defenseman was impressed at the quality of play and entertaining matchups between USA and Canada. He noted that the rivalry between the two hockey powerhouses has contributed to the sport’s growing popularity.
“To grow the game in North America, obviously, a perfect scenario like 4 Nations, you had the U.S. and Canada in the final. And same in the Olympics, you had the U.S. and Canada in the final,” Chelios exclusively told Heavy Sports via Come On Sports. “Obviously, this group of kids that just won, the Tkachuk brothers and [Auston] Matthews, they’ve been playing these Canadians.”
He also said that this generation of American players have been successful against Canada in other international competitions. Because of that, they do not face the scrutiny that he did when during his career.
“They don’t have that same stigma that I had. You know, we only beat them once 35, 40 years ago. These kids don’t know any better. They’ve won World Juniors against them.”
Chris Chelios Says Hockey was Showcased Well at the Olympics
Chris Chelios also said that the Olympics were an excellent showcase of hockey and the best that the NHL has to offer.
Team USA vs. Canada has been a heated rivalry at times. Due to their closely contested matchups, Chelios said the players had a larger chip on their shoulders.
“For sure, we got a chip on our shoulder because Canada claims [hockey is] their sport, but no question the rivalry that was built up since they’re growing up in those U.S. programs, Canadian programs, and up until 4 Nations, and then finally the Olympics,” Chelios exclusively told Heavy Sports.
He added: “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a better sport live, then what happened there.”
Chelios Explains Impact of Team USA’s Olympic Gold Medal Victory
Chelios also explained the impact Team USA’s Olympic triumph will have on hockey in the country.
He believes young kids in non traditional hockey markets will now feel inspired to play hockey. The Hall of Famer said that the gold medal victory was a multi-generational celebration and a positive sign.
“There’s no question there’s more viewers, kids watching. And now you’ll have a lot more kids wanting to play hockey because of what the U.S. did and what the team accomplished,” Chelios exclusively told Heavy Sports. “That’s why you’re seeing players coming out of California, Phoenix, Alaska, all over the place, all over the country, which wasn’t the case 20, 30 years ago.”
Exclusive: Chris Chelios Breaks Down Team USA’s Historic Olympic Triumph