Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson expressed pride in his American identity following criticism for wearing a MAGA hat after the U.S. hockey team won gold at the Winter Olympics.
Buffalo Sabres star Tage Thompson recently faced criticism after being seen wearing a MAGA hat following Team USA's victory in the hockey finals at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Thompson played a crucial role in securing the gold medal by scoring in the semifinal match against Slovakia and contributing to the win over Canada in the finals. Despite the scrutiny regarding his choice of hat, Thompson emphasized his pride in being American, reflecting a sense of solidarity with his team and the nation.
After the Olympic break, Thompson returned to the NHL, playing his first game back against the New Jersey Devils. Although he admitted to feeling tired and rusty on the ice, he still managed to score the first goal for Buffalo, leading to a 2-1 victory. In a notable moment during the game, New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes recognized Thompson's contributions by inviting him to center ice, allowing fans to celebrate both players together, which reflects camaraderie among American players.
The implications of Thompson's comments extend beyond the rink as they touch on political sentiments in sports, especially in relation to national pride. His declaration of being proud to be American suggests a larger conversation about athletes expressing their political views and how they are received by the public and fans. This incident might provoke ongoing discussions about the intersection of sports, politics, and individual identity in America.
