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Charles Barkley Celebrates U.S. Hockey Gold Medal Victory
The NBA legend was 'screaming all by myself' after the U.S. men's team defeated Canada in overtime.
Feb. 23, 2026 at 12:22am
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Charles Barkley, the renowned NBA analyst and former player, was overjoyed after the U.S. men's hockey team won the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. Barkley, a noted hockey fan, woke up early to watch the dramatic overtime victory against Canada and couldn't contain his excitement, saying he was 'screaming all by myself' during the game.
Why it matters
Barkley's passionate reaction to the U.S. hockey team's victory highlights the broad appeal of the sport and the national pride it can inspire, even among those more closely associated with other sports like basketball.
The details
The U.S. men's hockey team's gold medal win came on the 46th anniversary of the 'Miracle on Ice' when the U.S. defeated the Soviet Union at the 1980 Winter Olympics. This year's team, filled with NHL experience, outlasted favored Canada 2-1 in overtime to capture the United States' first men's hockey gold since 1980.
- The U.S. men's hockey team won gold on Sunday, February 23, 2026.
- The 'Miracle on Ice' game occurred on February 22, 1980.
The players
Charles Barkley
A former NBA player and current basketball analyst known for his love of hockey.
U.S. men's hockey team
The American hockey team that won the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
What they’re saying
“Man, that was worth getting up for. I was screaming all by myself!”
— Charles Barkley
What’s next
With the Winter Olympics now over, Charles Barkley will shift his hockey focus back to the NHL playoffs, where he will likely make his usual predictions and commentary.
The takeaway
Charles Barkley's passionate reaction to the U.S. men's hockey team's gold medal victory demonstrates the unifying power of sports and how even the most famous basketball personalities can become ardent fans of other sports like hockey when national pride is on the line.
