In the midst of a challenging 2025-26 season, the New York Rangers found a reason to celebrate on Sunday that felt like winning the Olympic gold medal. Head coach Mike Sullivan, assistant David Quinn, and players J.T. Miller and Vincent Trocheck were part of the U.S. team that clinched a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory against Canada, marking the first Olympic gold in men’s hockey for the U.S. since the iconic 1980 win.
For the Rangers, this triumph was a high point in an otherwise tough season. Rookie forward Gabe Perreault, who has tasted victory with the U.S. at the junior level, shared his excitement: “It was a sweet game and an incredible ending, especially in overtime.
Watching them win gold was amazing, especially having played at the U.S. National Team Development Program and World Juniors.”
The Rangers' practice was delayed as the gold-medal game extended into overtime, with players eagerly watching until New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes scored the decisive goal. Forward Jonny Brodzinski described the scene: “We were all in the training room, half-dressed, waiting to hit the ice. It was a good moment.”
The game sparked some friendly banter among the Rangers, with American and Canadian players exchanging light-hearted jabs. Alexis Lafreniere, from Montreal, noted that it was all in good spirits: “It was a respectful watch.”
Rookie center Noah Laba, practicing alongside Lafreniere and Toronto’s Will Cuylle, kept his celebrations low-key despite the U.S. victory. Meanwhile, Lafreniere expressed happiness for his teammates: “It was a good game. Troch and J.T. played hard, and I’m thrilled they got the gold.”
For Jonny Brodzinski, whose father played under Herb Brooks, the coach of the 1980 U.S. team, the victory carried a special resonance. “I grew up hearing stories about that team. Watching the movie ‘Miracle’ with my dad, seeing his emotions, it’s just cool to see this kind of love for the country.”
The USA-Canada final was a captivating showdown, even for players without a direct rooting interest. Finnish defenseman Urho Vaakanainen enjoyed the excitement, acknowledging the U.S. and Canada as the tournament's top teams. “You root for your teammates, and it was a great game to watch,” he said.
With Sullivan, Quinn, Miller, Trocheck, and Mika Zibanejad (who represented Sweden) returning, the Rangers will soon refocus on their regular season, facing the Philadelphia Flyers at the Garden. Despite their current struggles and looming roster changes, Sunday was a moment for the Rangers to relish-a reminder of the joy and pride that sports can bring.