USA recognizes 'incredible opportunity' to make Olympic hockey history
USA TODAY
USA coach Mike Sullivan has stressed to his players at the 2026 Winter Olympics that only 36 American-born men's hockey players have gold medals.
MILAN - Coach Mike Sullivan wanted his players to know what a select group they can join if they win their next game. His players emphasized the importance of enjoying the moment and not overthinking the magnitude.
It is with a blend of those two focal points as the USA hockey team enters the last game of the 2026 Winter Olympics men's tournament on Feb. 22, facing off against rival Canada for the biggest prize in international hockey.
"There's 36 American-born hockey players that have gold medals," Sullivan said on Feb. 21. "What an incredible opportunity we have in front of us. That was the discussion we had, and I think these guys, they're excited about it. We know it's a big challenge."
More: USA routs Slovakia, sets up Olympic gold medal match with Canada
Players don't reach the pinnacle of their sport without being mentally tough, but for all 25 NHLers on Team USA, these Games are their Olympic debut. Now here they are, playing for gold, playing for history.
The 2026 NFL Draft is just a month away, and our latest mock draft features a few surprises materializing in the top 10 picks.
The Sweet 16 of the NCAA men's tournament is set and there were some surprises and disappointments. We break down the winners and losers.
Who had Iowa as the chaos agent in the NCAA Men's Tournament? Who cares! At least it's some fun in otherwise chalky bracket
Florida basketball was stunned by Iowa, ending its hopes to repeat as national champions in the Men's NCAA Tourrnament.
St. John's vs Kansas features Hall of Fame coaches Rick Pitino and Bill Self, a top NBA draft prospect in Darryn Peterson, and plenty more.
Otega Oweh gave us the moment of March Madness so far. What does Kentucky do for an encore? While Iowa State awaits news on Joshua Jefferson injury.
Braden Smith has the NCAA assists record, now he can focus on his main goal: a championship. Miami stands in Purdue's way in Round 2 of March Madness.
After John Calipari crashed out at Kentucky, people wondered if we'd seen the best of Cal. At Arkansas, that 'ol dog is back at it — and in Sweet 16.
Sunday's eight second-round games in the NCAA men's tournament will complete the Sweet 16. A breakdown of the matchups and what to watch.
The Women's NCAA Tournament has been pretty chalky. But there are plenty of storylines. Here are the winners and losers from the first round.
The Longhorns pulled off another upset with another strong offensive performance to take down Gonzaga.
Coen Carr led the way with 21 points and 10 rebounds as Michigan State advanced to another Sweet 16 with a defeat of Louisville.
Can 'Mr. March' (aka Tom Izzo) lead Michigan State Spartans to another Sweet 16? Louisville stands in the way. Follow March Madness second round live.