There was something almost shocking about Jack Hughes after Team USA won Olympic gold.
Not the overtime goal. Not the missing teeth. Not even beating a top-tier opponent — which in some circles counts as international diplomacy.
Nope. The jaw-dropper was this: “I love the USA. I’m so proud to be American.”
That’s it. No footnotes. No disclaimers. No Twitter thread explaining his political views. Just pure, unapologetic pride. And honestly, it feels rebellious in 2026.
Somewhere along the way, loving your country out loud started to feel complicated. Some Olympic athletes have even spoken discouragingly about their countries — frustrated, critical or disillusioned. And that’s their right. Freedom of speech is part of what makes the United States great.
But here’s the thing: Being proud of your country is not a bad thing. It’s not arrogant, it’s not outdated, it’s not “woke or un-woke.” Patriotism is gratitude. It’s pride. It’s recognizing that your country — messy, loud, messy again — is worth celebrating, defending and representing. And yes, saying it out loud is part of the joy.
Here’s the bottom line: If you can’t handle the simple task of respecting and representing your country, you don’t deserve a spot on an Olympic team — or any of the perks that come with it. Wearing the USA crest is an honor. The gold medal, the fame, the anthem in the arena — those are rewards earned by those who understand that representing your country is more than a job; it’s a calling.
And that’s exactly what Hughes did. Pure, simple, unapologetic pride.
It’s not just Hughes. At every level of USA Hockey, from peewee leagues to elite developmental programs, patriotism is part of the curriculum — right up there with skating, shooting and learning to avoid getting hit in the face. Coaches drill it in early: When you wear the USA crest, it’s bigger than any personal glory. That mindset carries through to the men’s and women’s teams, who speak with clarity, humility and unity. They answer questions respectfully, celebrate wins, and carry themselves like leaders on and off the ice.
Megan Keller and the U.S. women’s team do the same thing as the men: lead, inspire, compete ferociously and show genuine pride in representing their country. They can joke with the commentators, laugh during interviews and still show they love their country out loud — unapologetically.
Even the juniors get in on it. Remember the rowdy adoption of “Free Bird” as the men’s junior team’s post-goal celebration song? That tradition spread through the developmental programs to the pros. Nothing says “we’re proud Americans” like cranking Lynyrd Skynyrd after a goal, fist pumping, teeth missing and spirits soaring.
History reminds us why that matters.
Back in 1980, the Miracle on Ice wasn’t just a hockey game — it was a lesson in grit, unity and putting country above self. Those players didn’t grow up as teammates. They came from Harvard, Minnesota, Michigan Tech, Boston University and other schools that hated each other on the ice. Coach Herb Brooks somehow got them to stop fighting and start playing as one. The result? They stunned the Soviets, lifted a nation, and proved that patriotism mixed with talent and hustle is unstoppable.
Fast-forward to today: Hughes, Keller, and the U.S. men’s and women’s teams carry that torch. They skate hard, play smart, and celebrate big — sometimes with a fist pump, sometimes with a chorus of “Free Bird” echoing through the arena. It’s loud. It’s proud. It’s unapologetically American. And that’s a good thing.
Hughes didn’t overthink it. Keller didn’t overthink it. The juniors didn’t overthink it when they cranked up Lynyrd Skynyrd after a goal.
They just meant it.
And maybe that’s the lesson for all of us: Loving your country doesn’t have to be complicated or controversial. Stand a little taller. Cheer a little louder. Sing the anthem. Wear the flag. Be proud to be an American — unapologetically, joyfully and out loud. Because if hockey players can do it with skill, humility and a toothless grin, so can the rest of us. And if nothing else, next time you hear “Free Bird” blasting after a goal, remember: fist pumps, laughs and pride are contagious. Representing your country is an honor — and being unapologetically patriotic is a good thing.
Jason Lias is a lifelong ice hockey player/fan who writes on politics and social topics.