Michigan State's Adam Nightingale Celebrates Olympic Gold Medal Win

Nightingale coached 15 of the 25 players on the USA hockey team that won gold.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 7:07am

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Michigan State hockey coach Adam Nightingale had a hand in coaching 15 of the 25 members of the USA's gold medal-winning hockey team for various Team USA squads. While he couldn't watch the gold medal game closely due to his own son's youth hockey game, Nightingale celebrated the USA's overtime victory with his family.

Why it matters

Nightingale's involvement with the USA hockey team highlights his expertise and influence in the sport, which benefits the Michigan State hockey program he leads. The Olympic gold medal win is a proud moment for Nightingale and the university.

The details

Nightingale was unable to watch the majority of the gold medal game between the USA and Canada due to his youngest son Keeton's youth hockey game. However, once Keeton's team got off the ice, they were able to watch the overtime game-winner and celebrate the USA's victory together.

  • On Sunday, Nightingale was in Grand Rapids watching his son Keeton play in a youth hockey game.
  • Nightingale kept an eye on the USA vs Canada Olympic gold medal game via his phone while also watching Keeton's game in person.

The players

Adam Nightingale

The head coach of the Michigan State hockey team, who has coached 15 of the 25 players on the USA's gold medal-winning hockey team for various Team USA squads.

Keeton Nightingale

Adam Nightingale's youngest son, who was playing in a youth hockey game that his father was attending when the USA won the Olympic gold medal.

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What they’re saying

“It was awesome. I wasn't able to watch the first half (of the gold medal game) super close. Then his (Keeton's) team got off the ice and they had a room for them to watch it, and the young kids watched the overtime game-winner and celebrated.”

— Adam Nightingale, Michigan State Hockey Coach

The takeaway

Nightingale's involvement with the USA hockey team and his ability to celebrate the Olympic gold medal win with his own family highlights the pride and excitement he feels for the sport of hockey and the success of the national team.