US men's hockey team inspired by women's Olympic gold win

Players and coaches celebrate the US women's team's overtime victory against Canada

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The US men's hockey team was inspired by the US women's hockey team's gold medal win at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. Players like Quinn and Jack Hughes, whose mother Ellen had a role with the women's team, as well as J.T. Miller and Dylan Larkin, watched the thrilling overtime victory against Canada and celebrated Megan Keller's game-winning goal. Coach Mike Sullivan opened the team's practice by congratulating the women's team, and said they hope to match the women's dominant tournament performance.

Why it matters

The US women's hockey team's gold medal win was a source of national pride and inspiration, especially for the US men's hockey team who share a program and staff with the women's team. The victory showcased the growth of women's hockey and provided motivation for the men's team as they pursue their own Olympic gold.

The details

Several US men's hockey players, including Quinn and Jack Hughes, watched the US women's team's gold medal game against Canada in person. The men's team celebrated Megan Keller's overtime game-winning goal, with Dylan Larkin saying 'We were going nuts.' Coach Mike Sullivan opened the men's team's practice by congratulating the women's team, noting the staff connection between the programs. The US women outscored opponents 33-2 on their way to gold, and the unbeaten US men hope to match that dominant performance as they face Slovakia in the semifinals.

  • The US women's hockey team won the gold medal on Thursday night.
  • The US men's hockey team had their game day skate on Friday morning.

The players

Quinn Hughes

A player on the US men's hockey team who watched the women's gold medal game in person.

Jack Hughes

A player on the US men's hockey team who watched the women's gold medal game in person.

Ellen Hughes

The mother of Quinn and Jack Hughes, who had a role as a player development consultant for the US women's hockey team.

J.T. Miller

A player on the US men's hockey team who brought his daughter to watch the women's gold medal game.

Dylan Larkin

A player on the US men's hockey team who celebrated the women's gold medal win.

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What they’re saying

“'Happy for her, happy for the whole team, everyone on the coaching staff. You knew that game was going to be tough, but I think they deserved it.'”

— Quinn Hughes, US men's hockey player (yahoo.com)

“'All of us, we were obviously really pumped up for them. That was all about the girls, and we were super excited for them.'”

— Jack Hughes, US men's hockey player (yahoo.com)

“'We were going nuts. It's a pretty cool moment and great for them. For Megan Keller, that's a great story: a Michigan girl, very proud for her. Great moment for USA Hockey.'”

— Dylan Larkin, US men's hockey player (yahoo.com)

“'We were talking about it last night; we were talking about it again this morning. It's a great thrill. Those girls, what a terrific hockey team and they'll be an inspiration for the next generation of girls growing up in the United States. ... We couldn't be more proud of them.'”

— Mike Sullivan, US men's hockey coach (yahoo.com)

What’s next

The US men's hockey team will face Slovakia in the semifinals on Friday night, hoping to match the dominant performance of the US women's team.

The takeaway

The US men's hockey team was deeply inspired by the US women's hockey team's gold medal victory, which showcased the growth of women's hockey and provided motivation for the men's team as they pursue their own Olympic glory.