Quinn Hughes calls America ‘greatest country in the world’ after game-winner

NHL star Quinn Hughes turned an Olympic hero for Group USA when he scored an time beyond regulation purpose to carry his nation over Sweden within the males’s hockey qualifying spherical.

His feedback after the sport might have made him a nationwide hero to many Individuals.

“It is particular,” Hughes instructed reporters about seeing American flags and listening to “USA” chants within the enviornment.

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Quinn Hughes of america celebrates with teammates after scoring an time beyond regulation purpose throughout a quarterfinal playoff recreation in opposition to Sweden on the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Enviornment on February 18, 2026, in the course of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Photographs)

“I really like the US, and it is the best nation on this planet, so I am completely satisfied to characterize right here with these guys, and it was very particular.”

Hughes’ time beyond regulation purpose gave the US a dramatic 2-1 win because the workforce continues its quest for a gold medal.

The US could not join on the primary 5 pictures of additional time, however on the sixth Hughes tapped one from the within of the publish that went over the road to offer the Individuals the win.

The Individuals will face Slovakia, whereas Canada, which narrowly escaped an upset by the Czech Republic on Thursday, will face Finland. Canada and Finland each recovered from deficits to win in time beyond regulation.

TEAM USA ADVANCES TO OLYMPIC MEN’S HOCKEY SEMI-FINALS AFTER EXCITING OVERTIME WINNER

Quinn Hughes of america celebrates with teammates after scoring an time beyond regulation purpose throughout a quarterfinal playoff recreation in opposition to Sweden on the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Enviornment in the course of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, February 18, 2026, in Milan, Italy. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Photographs)

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Hughes’ post-match patriotism was a welcome sight for a lot of American followers on social media.

“American Hero Quinn Hughes,” one person on X wrote in response to the star’s quotes.

One person wrote: “That is how each member of Group USA ought to speak to the cynical media….”

One other person wrote: “Persons are offended within the feedback as a result of he loves his nation.”

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American Quinn Hughes celebrates after scoring the profitable purpose in opposition to Sweden throughout time beyond regulation of a males’s ice hockey quarterfinal on the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. (AP Picture/Hassan Ammar)

Hughes’ expression of affection for his nation is available in a yr when different U.S. Olympians have been brazenly vital of U.S. Group USA athletes Hunter Hess, Amber Glenn and Mikaela Shiffrin have all issued statements criticizing the state of the U.S. whereas competing in Italy.

Hughes now joins hockey teammate Brady Tkachuk brazenly praises the US and expressing honor and gratitude for representing the nation in Milan Cortina.

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