Legendary 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey captain Mike Eruzione is stepping into a growing debate about patriotism after U.S. snowboarder Hunter Hess said he does not compete to represent his country, but rather his “family and friends.”
Eruzione, the captain of the iconic “Miracle on Ice” team, responded bluntly on social media, questioning why an athlete would wear the Team USA uniform if they don’t believe they represent the nation.
“Hunter Hess US snowboarder saying he doesn't represent his country but his family and friends. Then don't put on the USA uniform maybe just put for family and friends some athletes just don't get it,” Eruzione wrote.
Hess made the comments during a press conference, saying that representing the United States brings up “mixed emotions” for him amid political division and controversy surrounding the Trump administration.
“It brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now,” Hess said. “It's a little hard. There's obviously a lot going on that I'm not the biggest fan of. Just because I'm wearing the flag doesn't mean I represent everything that's going on in the U.S.”
Other athletes have echoed similar feelings, saying they feel torn between pride in competing at the Olympic level and frustration with the country’s political direction.
Those remarks quickly sparked backlash online, with critics arguing that wearing the American flag on the world stage is a privilege, not a fashion statement. Many said that if an athlete feels disconnected from that responsibility, they should reconsider competing under the U.S. banner.
Eruzione’s words carry serious weight. As captain of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team, he scored the game-winning goal against the Soviet Union in one of the greatest upsets in sports history. The victory, known as the “Miracle on Ice,” became a powerful symbol of American pride and resilience during the Cold War, and the team went on to win the gold medal.
While some athletes wrestle with what the flag means to them, Eruzione’s message is clear: representing the United States is about more than personal feelings—it’s about honoring the country that gave them the chance to compete in the first place. And as history shows, when athletes embrace that responsibility, it can unite a nation and inspire the world.
