A tough jab from the USA gold team to Canada, who stayed at the hotel: "Those things matter."

The Canadian Olympic team made a surprising decision before the tournament and did not stay in the Olympic Village like other athletes. The decision sparked a lot of controversy and discussion throughout the sports world. In the Czech Republic, Canadians were even called primadonnas.

Now, former member of the U.S. gold medal team, Dylan Larkin, has rubbed salt in Canada’s wounds. According to him, staying in the Olympic Village was a key factor in forming the team spirit of the U.S. team.

– Olympic spirit, team chemistry, those things matter. When you are surrounded by athletes – the best athletes in the world – and get the chance to talk to them and be in that environment, it rubs off. I am really grateful that we decided to be surrounded by winners and great athletes, Larkin said.

Larkin also praised the U.S. winning goal and Jack Hughes. The words are also a jab at the faces of the Canadians who missed scoring opportunities.

– I can’t wait to see it. The difference between the guy who wants the puck on his stick at that moment… If you watch the video, I turn and walk away. He wants the puck and he put it in the damn net. That’s what superstars do. That moment will stay with me for the rest of my life.

IIHF: huge news!

Lions | 29.03.2026 15:06