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≡ THE ROSEN REPORT ≡
MILAN, Italy – The “Miracle on Ice” is still fresh in the minds of U.S. hockey fans even though it has been 46 years since Mike Eruzione scored the game-winning goal against the Soviet Union in Lake Placid. Just ask the fan striding down the concourse Sunday at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in his Eruzione “No. 21” USA jersey.
Could he be inspired to add to his wardrobe after the 2026 Winter Olympics? The Americans are legitimate contenders for another gold medal after defeating Germany 5-1 Sunday in a game that started close but turned into a rout.
The U.S. clinched first place in Group C with a 3-0 record to advance to the quarterfinals against the winner of the qualification round game Tuesday between Sweden and Latvia. Group winners receive a bye, so that means one more day of rest for the U.S.
The Americans, who also defeated Latvia and Denmark in Group C, are seeded no. 2 behind Canada, which defeated France 10-2, based on goal differential. If the perennial rivals advance through the knockout rounds, they would meet for the gold medal.
“This group is special and it’s fun to be out there with them,” said Dylan Larkin, who now wears Eruzione’s No. 21 for the U.S. “We’ve got to keep going, keep playing for each other to keep up the fun.”
Chants of “U-S-A, U-S-A” rang out as a large contingent of American fans were scattered throughout the new arena. Peter Gabriel‘s “Sledgehammer” played over the public address system, an apt choice as the U.S. team outshot Germany 37-24.
If the U.S. advances to the championship game, it would be Sunday before the Closing Ceremony. No U.S. men’s team has won an Olympic title on foreign soil, with the previous golds in Squaw Valley in 1960 and, of course, Lake Placid in 1980.
Team USA has not won any medal in men’s hockey since 2010, when Canada prevailed in Vancouver, 3-2, in overtime. There was never a more apt example of the saying, “You don’t win silver, you lose gold,” than the American players glumly standing on the medal podium.
The U.S. also took silver behind Canada at the Salt Lake City Games, with four-time Olympian Keith Tkachuk playing on that team.
His sons Matthew and Brady are integral players for this American squad. Brady said in the lead-up to Milan that their father played a very influential role in their careers. “Growing up, him winning a silver medal in 2002 in Salt Lake City – of course, it was not the medal he wanted – but to still bring home a medal to show his hard work,” he said.
In second grade, Brady brought the Olympic silver medal into show-and-tell. “I had no idea what the significance of it was,” he said, “but all my classmates loved it and thought it was the coolest thing ever.”
A gold would be even cooler. Older brother Matthew said he thought the U.S. team played better as the Germany game went along.
“Our goal coming in was to go 3-0 in group play, check that box and move on,” he said. “We accomplished that, and still have more to accomplish now. I’m super-excited to get to the knock-out stage.”
Matthew Tkachuk said although they have only been in Milan for a short time, “It feels like this group’s been together for way longer. The sacrifice we talk about all the time, the commitment, kind of the life-changing experience this is for all of us, we don’t want to stop now.”
While the Miracle on Ice team was made up of a ragtag group of college and amateur players led by the legendary Herb Brooks, the NHL now provides the players for the Olympic tournament. The New York Rangers’ Mike Sullivan is the U.S. head coach.
“I think everyone on this team has their own unique skill-set and they bring it,” said goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who had 23 saves vs. Germany. “It’s a complete team. Everyone is needed.”
Zach Werenski said the U.S. played its best 60 minutes of hockey so far in the tournament. “We were stingiest defensively,” he said, “and we created a lot of offense.”
Auston Matthews, who like Eruzione in 1980 is the team captain, had two goals and one assist.
“It seemed like everything he touched turned into a Grade-A chance or a great play or a strong defensive breakup,” said Matthew Tkachuk. “He was awesome. He’s our captain and we’re following his lead.”
For the record, Matthews wears jersey no. 34.
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