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Amherst Today
By the People, for the People
Buffalo Sabres' Star Scores For Team USA In The Italy Winter Olympics
Tage Thompson nets a goal for the U.S. men's hockey team in preliminary round action.
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson scored a goal for Team USA in their opening men's hockey game at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. Thompson's power-play tally came in the second period of the U.S. team's 3-1 win over Latvia. This marks the first time in decades that NHL players have been allowed to compete in the Olympics.
Why it matters
The inclusion of NHL stars like Thompson in the Winter Olympics is a significant development, as it allows the world's top hockey talent to showcase their skills on the international stage. Thompson's goal for Team USA is an early highlight for Buffalo sports fans, who are eager to see their hometown players succeed at the highest levels of competition.
The details
With just over 2 minutes left in the second period and the U.S. on the power play, Thompson received a pass from former Sabres teammate Jack Eichel and scored to give Team USA a 2-1 lead. The game was not complete at the time of writing, but the U.S. was ahead 3-1 heading into the third period.
- The 2026 Winter Olympics are currently underway in Italy.
- Team USA's opening men's hockey game against Latvia was played on February 12, 2026.
- Thompson's goal came with just over 2 minutes left in the second period.
The players
Tage Thompson
A forward for the Buffalo Sabres who scored a goal for Team USA in their opening men's hockey game at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
Jack Eichel
A former Buffalo Sabres player who assisted on Tage Thompson's goal for Team USA.
Team USA
The United States men's hockey team competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
What’s next
Team USA will continue their preliminary round schedule with games against Denmark on Saturday and Germany on Sunday. If they win their group, they will earn a bye into the next round of the tournament.
The takeaway
The inclusion of NHL players in the Winter Olympics for the first time in decades is an exciting development for hockey fans, as it allows the world's top talent to showcase their skills on the international stage. Tage Thompson's goal for Team USA is an early highlight for Buffalo sports fans, who are eager to see their hometown players succeed at the highest levels of competition.
