After claiming gold during the World Junior Championships, members of the United States junior hockey team were recorded belting out the Star Spangled Banner, the country’s national anthem.
The squad beat Sweden during the championship game.
The team was seen with bright smiles, celebrating the US’ sixth gold medal as junior ice hockey champions in the history of the tournament. Their video on social media quickly gained praise and millions of videos.
Many netizens contrasted the team with the US Women’s National Team during the World Cup, who doesn’t seem to care or hold their hands over their hearts as the national anthem plays.
Riley Gaines, an American swimmer and conservative activist, hit Megan Rapinoe and the women’s soccer team.
Gaines said, “Hey @mPinoe, take notes.”
Piers Morgan posted on X, “Brilliant. If you can’t bring yourself to sing your National Anthem with this kind of passion, don’t play sport for your country. cc @USWNT @mPinoe“
Another X user wrote, “US hockey junior team shows the American spirit after victory. This is how American athletes need to celebrate while representing their country.”
“It is a great moment for sports and the US Junior Hockey Team,” said Joe Cozzo, an X user.
Another also took the time to teach the US Women’s Soccer Team a few points on patriotism.
“This is how you celebrate when you represent America… and you are supposed to be the adults? @USWNT.”
Another X user praised the players’ love for their country, “I don’t know a single one of those kids or their parents, but I instantly respect all of them for this proud showing. Thank you!”
The US National Junior Team defeated Sweden, the host nation, with a 6-2 score. This victory is significant for most of the US junior hockey team members as they all earned bronze medals in the 2023 competition.
Cutter Gauthier led his team with 12 points in the tournament.
During the post-game interview, Gauthier said, “This is everything we dreamed of.”
“Ever since we lost that game last year, the ’04s, we’ve had this date marked on our calendars. In Sweden, against Sweden, in front of their crowd. It was so surreal. It was such a great feeling to get the job done.”
Ruther McGroarty, who served as the team captain, said “You see a bunch of teams and they’re just a bunch of all-star teams. I feel like our team was really a team.”
“We came together; we set our culture early. The coaching staff did an unbelievable job, our leadership did an unbelievable job getting the guys together, hanging out, doing little things.”
God bless them…!