Rangers' Mike Sullivan leads Team USA to Olympic gold

Sullivan becomes third American coach to win men's hockey gold, cementing his legacy

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Mike Sullivan, the head coach of the New York Rangers, led the U.S. men's hockey team to a gold medal at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics. This was Sullivan's second Olympics, having previously served as an assistant coach in 2006. Despite initial uncertainty about whether he would be selected again, Sullivan emerged victorious, becoming just the third American coach in history to lead the U.S. to Olympic gold in men's hockey.

Why it matters

Sullivan's Olympic gold medal win cements his legacy as one of the top American hockey coaches of his generation. The victory also generated significant interest and viewership in the U.S., with many Americans tuning in early in the morning to watch the gold medal game.

The details

In the gold medal game, the U.S. defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime. Sullivan's leadership and ability to push the right buttons with his players were key factors in the victory. The win came on Sullivan's 58th birthday, making it an even more special occasion.

  • The gold medal game took place on February 22, 2026.
  • Sullivan's 58th birthday is on February 24, 2026.

The players

Mike Sullivan

The head coach of the New York Rangers, Sullivan led the U.S. men's hockey team to its first Olympic gold medal in 46 years.

Jack Riley

The head coach of the 1960 U.S. men's hockey team that won the Olympic gold medal.

Herb Brooks

The legendary head coach of the 1980 U.S. men's hockey team that won the 'Miracle on Ice' gold medal.

Peter Laviolette

The head coach of the U.S. men's hockey team at the 2006 Winter Olympics, where Sullivan served as an assistant coach.

Jon Cooper

The head coach of the Canadian men's hockey team, which lost to the U.S. in the gold medal game.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously, this game — in a lot of ways — was an inspiration to our country. I can't tell you how many texts I've received over the last day or so about watch parties at eight o' clock in the morning. I think, from a viewership standpoint in the United States, there were a lot of people paying attention.”

— Mike Sullivan, Head Coach, U.S. Men's Hockey Team (nypost.com)

“It's hard to reflect this soon after the game. We asked this group to come in here and grow as a team. And we came here to play six games and get better each game. I didn't think we could play better after the Finnish game and they proved me wrong. I thought it was a flawless performance by a group of players that gave nothing but red and white for three periods-plus of hockey. I couldn't be more proud of the group. They did everything we asked of them and more. Executed our plan.”

— Jon Cooper, Head Coach, Canadian Men's Hockey Team (nypost.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This Olympic gold medal win cements Mike Sullivan's legacy as one of the top American hockey coaches of his generation, joining the ranks of legendary coaches like Jack Riley and Herb Brooks. The victory also generated significant interest and viewership in the U.S., demonstrating the continued passion for men's hockey at the Olympic level.