Rhode Island Roots Behind Team USA’s Olympic Hockey Victory

The United States arrived at the Winter Olympics this year taking both names and gold medals. The men's hockey win over Canada, Team USA's first gold since 1980, featured some players with roots in Rhode Island.

No denying hockey has had a surge in popularity over the last several months, thanks in part to the hit HBO Max show Heated Rivalry. The show focuses on two men playing on opposing teams, Boston and Montreal.

Team USA Ends 36-Year Olympic Gold Drought

Similarly, an Olympic matchup between the United States and Canada led to the U.S. taking home the gold, its first in 46 years. It had also been 30 years since the U.S. defeated Canada in the finals of the World Cup of Hockey.

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Jack Hughes, the player who scored the winning goal for Team USA, has strong ties to Rhode Island and the Boston Bruins. Jack's father, Jim Hughes, played hockey for Providence College and later became assistant coach of the Bruins.

You may see photos all around social media of Jack after scoring the winning goal, as he clearly gave his all – and even a tooth – for the win.

Rhode Island’s Coaching Connection

Jack and his father aren't the only local connection. David Quinn, one of the coaches of Team USA, was born and raised in Cranston, Rhode Island. He was formerly the head coach at Boston University. Quinn recently was inducted into the Rhode Island Hockey Hall of Fame back in 2021.

Two Team USA players, Matt Boldy and Noah Hanifin, played for Boston College and also has some notable plays that contributed to the gold medal win.

Where Team USA Finished in Medal Count

Thanks to some of our local athletes and the rest of Team USA, the U.S. finished with 12 gold medals, behind only Norway (18) for the most. The U.S. also won 12 silver and nine bronze, finishing with 33 total medals.

We are so very proud of Team USA.