US Olympic hockey star Quinn Hughes calls America 'greatest country in the world' after game-winning shot

CNN host Audie Cornish and New York Magazine's Will Leitch suggested during a recent podcast that the U.S. could become the ‘global villain’ of the 2026 Winter Olympics.

NHL star Quinn Hughes became an Olympic hero for Team USA when he hit an overtime goal to lift his country over Sweden in the men's hockey qualifying round. 

His statements after the game may have made him a national hero among many Americans. 

"It's special," Hughes told reporters of seeing American flags and hearing "U-S-A" chants in the arena.

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Quinn Hughes of the United States celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal in overtime during a quarterfinal playoff match against Sweden at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 18, 2026, during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, Italy.  (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

"I love the U.S., and it's the greatest country in the world. So, I'm happy to represent here with these guys, and it was very special."

Hughes' overtime goal delivered the U.S. a dramatic 2-1 victory as the team continues its quest for a gold medal. 

The U.S. couldn't connect on its first five shots of overtime, but, on the sixth, Hughes rang one off the inside of the post that crossed the line to give the Americans the win.

The Americans will take on Slovakia, while Canada, which narrowly escaped being upset by the Czech Republic earlier Thursday, will go against Finland. Canada and Finland both rallied back from deficits to win in overtime.

TEAM USA ADVANCES TO OLYMPIC MEN'S HOCKEY SEMIFINAL AFTER EXHILARATING OVERTIME WINNER

Quinn Hughes of the United States celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal in overtime during a quarterfinal playoff match