Guentzel Wins Gold with US Men's Hockey, First UNO Olympian

Former Omaha hockey player Jake Guentzel is the first UNO alum to win an Olympic medal.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Jake Guentzel, a former standout hockey player for the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO), has won a gold medal as part of the U.S. men's hockey team at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. This makes Guentzel the first UNO alum to ever win an Olympic medal.

Why it matters

Guentzel's achievement is a major milestone for the UNO hockey program and the city of Omaha, as it marks the first time a player from the university has reached the pinnacle of their sport on the global Olympic stage.

The details

Guentzel, a forward, was a key contributor to the U.S. men's hockey team's gold medal run in Milan. He played a crucial role in helping the Americans defeat Canada in the gold medal game on Sunday.

  • The 2026 Winter Olympics took place in Milan, Italy.
  • The men's ice hockey gold medal game between the United States and Canada was played on Sunday.

The players

Jake Guentzel

A former standout hockey player for the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO), Guentzel is the first UNO alum to win an Olympic medal.

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What they’re saying

“This is an incredible achievement for Jake and our university. We're so proud of him and what he's accomplished.”

— Trev Alberts, UNO Athletic Director (omaha.com)

What’s next

Guentzel and the U.S. men's hockey team will return home to a hero's welcome in Omaha, where they are expected to be honored by the city and the university.

The takeaway

Jake Guentzel's gold medal win at the 2026 Winter Olympics is a landmark achievement for the University of Nebraska Omaha hockey program and the city of Omaha, solidifying the school's status as a rising power in college hockey and inspiring future generations of local athletes to pursue their Olympic dreams.