Brady Skjei might have been thousands of miles from Milan, Italy, but his heart was right there on the ice with Team USA as they clinched the Gold medal against Canada in a thrilling overtime finish at the Winter Olympics. Skjei, who himself tasted Gold at the World Championships last May, was all smiles after Nashville's practice, celebrating the third Olympic Gold in USA men's hockey history.
As Skjei shared his excitement, teammate Steven Stamkos, who found himself on the rival side that day, had a playful tale to tell. It seems Skjei stuck to his guns, refusing to switch his seat during the game-a spot that had been lucky for Canada in their previous match against Czechia. Superstition or not, the U.S. took home the win.
When Jack Hughes netted the overtime winner, the room erupted. Skjei, along with fellow Americans Michael McCarron, Cole Smith, Nick Blankenburg, and Nick Perbix, couldn't resist a bit of friendly ribbing towards their Canadian counterparts.
"It was wild," McCarron recalled, grinning. "We had a mix of Americans and Canadians, so the banter was on point.
Watching a high-stakes game with coffee and breakfast? That's a morning to remember."
Blankenburg echoed the sentiment, sharing how he set his alarm early to catch the action, enjoying the camaraderie and the shared celebration with his teammates.
Predators Head Athletic Trainer Kevin Morley, who was part of Team USA's Olympic staff, was seen on TV embracing players with a grin that matched the excitement of the moment. Hughes' game-winning goal, despite a high stick incident leaving him with a gap-toothed smile, was a snapshot for the ages.
The significance of this game reverberated beyond the rink. For hockey fans, especially those from the U.S. and Canada, it was a cultural event. The rivalry and passion brought new energy to the sport, reminiscent of the 2010 Olympic showdown and last year's Four Nations Face-Off.
Blankenburg noted the impact: "For U.S. hockey, this is huge. It shows how much we care. Hockey's stepping up alongside sports like football and basketball, and that's exciting."
Skjei added, "The Olympics, USA versus Canada for Gold, you couldn't script it better."
Sunday was a celebration of hockey, transcending nationalities and team affiliations. For the Americans, it was a moment of pride, a testament to resilience and passion.
"It's pretty sweet," McCarron said. "They earned it.
After last year's heartbreak, USA Hockey showed character with another Golden goal. Seeing them carry Johnny Gauderau’s jersey, and his proud parents, it means a lot."
Blankenburg summed up the emotion: "Even not playing, it's surreal. Seeing friends like Zach Werenski and the Hughes brothers live that dream, representing the country, it's a proud moment for all of us."