USA's star: "We are part of history, no one can take this away!"

MILANO.

The United States ice hockey team achieved a remarkable feat by defeating Canada in the Olympic final in overtime with a score of 2-1.

The USA has previously won Olympic gold in men’s ice hockey twice, in 1960 and 1980. The latter is known as Miracle on Ice, as at that time the U.S. amateurs defeated the Soviet Union’s professional players.

Now the chain has a new link, as the USA won gold for the first time in the era of NHL players. The feelings were summed up quite perfectly by Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy.

– This is the best feeling in the world! McAvoy exclaimed after the game.

– When we arrived here, Sully [head coach Mike Sullivan] talked about the 1960 team and the 1980 team, meaning a total of 34 players in the entire history of U.S. ice hockey who have won Olympic gold.

– That’s what we played for, and damn, two weeks later we did it! We did it! We are now part of that history. No one can take that away from us.

– This group will stick together forever thanks to what we just achieved. I’ve never been this proud in my life.

McAvoy was inspired to praise the team’s goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who made an impressive 41 saves in the game and allowed only one goal.

– He was incredible! He made so many saves time and time again.

– I mentioned that one save in the third period in the bench: “There it is, TSN’s turning point!” I just said to remember that. And then he made a couple more!

– He is the best player in the entire league [NHL]. We are lucky to have him on our side.

McAvoy also shared what victory tastes like.

– I’m a beer guy, but the last time I won something was at the U18 World Championships. Back then we couldn’t legally drink yet, so I’m also ready for a champagne shower!

Jaakko Perttilä
X: @JaakkoPerttila