Jeremy Roenick has spurned the critics of Team USA men’s hockey.
The former NHL star and Hockey Hall of Famer joined “Jesse Watters Primetime” on Monday, where he reflected on the country’s gold-medal win over Canada at the Milano Cortina Olympics — and condemned the “hypocrites” who aren’t celebrating the historic achievement.
“Shame on everybody for not celebrating this,” Roenick said of the victory, which secured Team USA’s first gold medal in Olympic men’s hockey since the iconic “Miracle on Ice” team in 1980.
“Sports is not supposed to be political. It’s supposed to unite the country. We’re all supposed to get together and believe in one thing. I think 99% of Americans on social media was loving it.
“And then you turn around and see the politicization of the sport, and it’s just not right,” he continued. “The hypocrites are coming out in droves and it’s unfortunate we can’t take the greatest moments in sports and all celebrate it. It’s a real shame.”
The U.S. men’s hockey team drew vocal criticism after footage captured the squad celebrating Sunday night’s overtime triumph in the locker room with FBI director Kash Patel — who then called President Donald Trump to congratulate the team.
The commander in chief invited the team to attend Tuesday’s State of the Union Address in Washington D.C., an offer which several players enthusiastically accepted.
Trump then seemingly made an offhand remark aimed at the women’s team, joking that if he didn’t “bring” them as well, “I do believe I would probably be impeached.”
The U.S. women’s team — which also captured gold against Canada — politely declined the invitation, citing scheduling conflicts.
Olympic hero Jack Hughes and the rest of Team USA returned to the States on Monday, celebrating their victory across Miami — and singing the national anthem while partying at the famous nightclub, E11EVEN.
Next stop: Washington D.C.
“There’s going to be a lot of droopy eyes,” Roenick told Watters. “There’s gonna be a lot of hair all messed up but I’m telling you, they’re gonna represent the U.S. exactly like they did over there in Italy. They’re gonna show up with pride. They’re gonna put their thumbs up to the president, who is doing an amazing job.
“Our country has never been better and our sports, and hockey, has never been better. And that is something to be proud of.”