Sabres Honor Gold Medalists Thompson, Ex-Captain Eichel

Tage Thompson and former Sabres captain Jack Eichel were both celebrated at Buffalo's first home game since the Olympics.

Mar. 4, 2026 at 2:06am

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Sabres forward Tage Thompson, who won Olympic gold with Team USA, was honored in a pregame ceremony at Buffalo's first home game since the Olympics. Even former Sabres captain Jack Eichel, now with the Vegas Golden Knights, received a rare cheer from the Buffalo crowd as he joined Thompson and other U.S. Olympians on the ice.

Why it matters

The ceremony highlighted the connections between the Sabres organization, its players, and the local community, as Thompson and other Olympians with Buffalo ties were celebrated. It also marked a rare moment of positivity for Eichel, who had a contentious departure from the Sabres, as he was able to share in the Olympic glory.

The details

Thompson scored three goals and added an assist to help the U.S. men's hockey team win Olympic gold in Milan. He was joined on the ice by Eichel, U.S. teammate Noah Hanifin, and Sabres massage therapist Brett Crompton, who held the same role for Team USA. Thompson's wife, children, and mother were also part of the ceremonial opening faceoff with Eichel. Once the game started, Sabres fans quickly turned on Eichel, booing him each time he touched the puck.

  • The ceremony took place on Tuesday night, Buffalo's first home game since the Olympic break ended.
  • Thompson scored the opening goal for the Sabres six minutes into the second period.

The players

Tage Thompson

A Sabres forward who won Olympic gold with Team USA, scoring three goals and adding an assist in his Olympic debut.

Jack Eichel

The former Sabres captain, now playing for the Vegas Golden Knights, who joined Thompson and other U.S. Olympians on the ice for the ceremony.

Noah Hanifin

A Golden Knights defenseman and U.S. Olympian who participated in the ceremony.

Brett Crompton

The Sabres' massage therapist who held the same role for the U.S. Olympic team.

Hayley Scamurra

A forward on the U.S. women's Olympic gold medal-winning team who is from Buffalo.

Haley Winn

A defender on the U.S. women's Olympic gold medal-winning team who is from nearby Rochester, New York.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously, I think Buffalo is a blue-collar town and I hope the medal meant a lot to them. I'm very excited to be back in front of them playing, so. I'm looking forward to it to tomorrow for sure.”

— Tage Thompson

“I don't know what the plan is for tonight, but listen, I'm so proud of Tage, and he deserves all the recognition and all the support and love from the crowd.”

— Jack Eichel

What’s next

Eichel and Hanifin will be honored at the Golden Knights' home game against the Minnesota Wild on Friday.

The takeaway

The ceremony highlighted the close ties between the Sabres organization, its players, and the Buffalo community, as the city celebrated the Olympic success of its hometown heroes. Even Eichel, who had a contentious departure from the team, was able to share in the moment and receive rare cheers from the Sabres faithful.