Team USA Hockey Greeted with Water Cannon Salute in Miami

Olympic champions receive hero's welcome in South Florida after weather reroutes their return from Italy

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Fresh off their dramatic overtime gold medal victory over Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics, the U.S. men's hockey team landed in Miami instead of New York due to a blizzard and were greeted with a ceremonial water cannon salute from airport fire crews, a tradition typically reserved for milestone flights and championship teams.

Why it matters

The U.S. men's hockey team's gold medal victory marked the country's first Olympic gold in the sport since the legendary 'Miracle on Ice' in 1980, making their return a highly anticipated homecoming for fans and the nation.

The details

When the team's plane touched down at Miami International Airport, they were greeted with cheers from fans gathered inside the terminal. Video showed team captain Auston Matthews stepping off the plane first, sunglasses on and gold medal proudly around his neck. The celebrations continued across Miami, where the team rode through the city aboard a double-decker open bus en route to the trendy Miami Design District for an open-bar party alongside friends, family, and supporters.

  • The U.S. men's hockey team won the gold medal in overtime at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy.
  • The team was originally scheduled to return to New York, but a powerful winter storm forced them to fly to Miami International Airport instead.
  • When the team's plane touched down in Miami, they were greeted with a ceremonial water cannon salute from airport fire crews.

The players

Connor Hellebuyck

The U.S. men's hockey team's goaltender, who delivered one of the most memorable performances in international hockey history by stopping 41 shots in the gold medal game against Canada.

Jack Hughes

The dynamic forward for the New Jersey Devils, who scored the golden goal during 3-on-3 overtime to secure the U.S. men's hockey team's first Olympic gold since the 'Miracle on Ice' in 1980.

Auston Matthews

The team captain of the U.S. men's hockey team, who was the first to step off the plane in Miami and was seen proudly wearing his gold medal.

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What’s next

The team is scheduled to travel to Washington, DC, where they are expected to attend the State of the Union address and be congratulated by President Donald Trump.

The takeaway

The U.S. men's hockey team's gold medal victory and triumphant return to the United States has captured the nation's attention, reigniting the spirit of the legendary 'Miracle on Ice' and showcasing the team's resilience and determination in the face of adversity.