Team USA Hockey Greeted With Water Cannon Salute After Olympic Gold

The U.S. men's hockey team returned home to a hero's welcome after their stunning upset victory over Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 11:52pm

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The United States Olympic men's hockey team landed in Miami after winning the gold medal at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. The team's plane was met with a water cannon salute at Miami International Airport, celebrating their historic 2-1 overtime victory over Canada.

Why it matters

The U.S. men's hockey team's gold medal win marks their first Olympic championship since the iconic "Miracle on Ice" in 1980. The team's homecoming celebration highlights the national pride and excitement surrounding their unexpected triumph over the favored Canadian squad.

The details

The game-winning goal in overtime was scored by Jack Hughes, who slotted a shot into the bottom right corner after an assist from Zach Werenski. Goalie Connor Hellebuyck made 41 saves to keep the U.S. in the game through regulation. This championship victory is the first Olympic men's hockey gold for the United States since 1980.

  • The U.S. men's hockey team landed at Miami International Airport on February 23, 2026.
  • The team's plane was met with a water cannon salute as it taxied toward the gate.

The players

Jack Hughes

The U.S. forward scored the game-winning goal in overtime to secure the gold medal for Team USA.

Connor Hellebuyck

The U.S. goaltender made 41 saves to keep his team in the game against Canada.

Zach Werenski

The U.S. defenseman provided the assist on Jack Hughes' game-winning goal in overtime.

Quinn Hughes

Jack Hughes' brother, who praised him as a "gamer" and "American hero" after the gold medal victory.

Jamison Coyle

The NHL Network host who shared a video of the water cannon salute for Team USA at Miami International Airport.

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What they’re saying

“He's a freaking gamer. He's always been a gamer. Just mentally tough, been through a lot, loves the game. American hero.”

— Quinn Hughes, Jack Hughes' brother (NHL Network)

“Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (#MDFR) was honored to welcome the United States Men's Olympic Hockey Team back home at Miami International Airport with a traditional water cannon salute, celebrating the team's historic gold medal victory at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.”

— Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (Social media)

What’s next

The U.S. men's hockey team will be honored with a parade and celebration in their hometown of Miami on February 28, 2026.

The takeaway

The U.S. men's hockey team's unexpected gold medal victory at the 2026 Winter Olympics has sparked a renewed sense of national pride and excitement, with their homecoming celebration in Miami underscoring the significance of their historic triumph over the favored Canadian squad.