Jack Eichel fought back tears as he reflected on Team USA‘s Olympic gold medal win. He spoke with raw emotion and described the pride of representing his country on the world stage.
Team USA defeated Canada in the gold medal game after Jack Hughes scored the overtime winner. Canada had played well and controlled the majority of the game. However, the Americans never wavered and capitalized on their scoring opportunities.
Team USA’s gold medal victory was an emotional one. It came on the 46th anniversary of the famous ‘Miracle on Ice,’ when the Americans defeated the Soviet Union. They went on to defeat Finland to win the gold medal, which was their last in men’s hockey until yesterday.
The players’ hearts were also heavy, as the team brought the late Johnny Gaudreau‘s children on the ice for the team photo. Gaudreau was a fixture in Team USA’s program until his tragic passing. It was an emotional moment, as the team hoisted his American jersey with his family in attendance.
While reflecting on the win, Eichel said it was difficult to explain what the gold medal meant to him. The Vegas Golden Knights center expressed joy that his name will forever be etched in American sports history.
“It’s hard to put into words, it’s crazy. I’m just really proud. It means a lot, so much pride. That group of guys, really unselfish, came together,” Eichel told reporter Jackie Redmond post game. “It just means the world to be here, you know? It’s tough to get it out right now. I’m so emotional. To be able to have this medal forever, it means a lot.”
He added:
“I’m so proud of this group. My family I think of and all of the people that have helped me.”
Jack Eichel Praises Team USA Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck
GettyMILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Connor Hellebuyck #37 and Jack Eichel #9 of Team United States celebrate after the victory in the Men’s Preliminary Group C match between the United States and Germany on day nine of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 15, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Jack Eichel also praised Connor Hellebuyck‘s incredible performance in goal for Team USA. The Winnipeg Jets goaltender was part of a talented American goaltending trio along with Jake Oettinger and Jeremy Swayman.
Hellebuyck was busy throughout the gold medal and came up with many key saves that kept the game tied. He made 41 saves on 42 shots on goal, finishing with a .976 save percentage in Team USA’s gold medal win.
Eichel said Hellebuyck stole the show in the Olympic gold medal game. He called him the best player on the ice and the X-factor in Team USA’s victory.
“[Hellebuyck] was the best player on the ice, it was incredible to watch him. He put on a masterclass tonight. We knew we needed him to be good tonight and he saved his best game for the last one,” Eichel told reporter Jackie Redmond.
He added:
“We’re not here if it wasn’t for him and how great he played. So, unbelievable job and I can’t say enough good things about him. He was incredible.”
Reporter Reacts to Interview with Eichel Following Team USA’s Olympic Gold Medal Win
Reporter Jackie Redmond also shared her thoughts on Eichel’s emotional responses during their interview.
Redmond, who splits time with the NHL and WWE, has spoken to the Golden Knights forward several times during her career. She noted that Eichel a different tone given the circumstances of coming off the biggest win of his international career.
“Jack Eichel – as emotional as I’ve ever seen him after winning gold with [USA],” Redmond wrote on X. “This interview, man. [sad face emoji]”
Jack Eichel Overcome with Emotion After Team USA’s Olympic Gold Win