Team USA's men's hockey squad has come under intense scrutiny from supporters after a video circulated online showing numerous players snubbing fans who were hoping for high-fives following a hard-fought 6-3 victory over Denmark on Saturday. The win secured the Americans a place in the tournament's quarterfinals, but the post-game interactions have overshadowed the on-ice achievement.
Viral Video Sparks Widespread Disappointment
Footage from the arena captured a disheartening scene as the majority of the United States team walked straight past the railings where children and adults eagerly extended their hands. One woman in a distinctive red jacket was notably left hanging multiple times, her attempts at connection met with indifference from most of the passing athletes.
A Few Players Show Appreciation
Not all team members ignored their supporters. Auston Matthews, Jeremy Swayman, Tage Thompson, Charlie McAvoy, Jaccob Slavin, Dylan Larkin, and Brady Tkachuk were among the few who acknowledged the crowd. McAvoy and Slavin made a particular effort to high-five the woman in the red jacket, while defenseman Zach Werenski was seen engaging in brief conversations with spectators in the stands.
Social Media Erupts with Criticism
The incident quickly went viral, driving fans on platforms like X into a frenzy of disappointment and anger. One user posted dramatically, "this would actually make me go home and kms and this is why i don't even attempt to interact with hockey players," capturing the depth of feeling among some supporters.
Another comment read, "I'm American and I'm not rooting for the USA. This team is extremely unlikable," highlighting how the perceived snub has affected national pride. A third fan questioned, "Why are they like that? Like, would it kill them to at least look at the people? I get not necessarily wanting to give everyone a high-five and being exhausted af after a game, but, idk, would a smile kill them? Or a little wave? Or a nod?"
Some attempted to defend the players, with one user suggesting the woman's "hand is too high, and once she moves it down she gets high fives," but such explanations did little to quell the broader outcry.
Team USA's Strong Tournament Performance
Despite the controversy, Team USA has been dominant on the ice. The game against Denmark required two comeback efforts to secure the win, showcasing the team's resilience. They followed this up with a commanding 5-1 victory over Germany on Sunday, completing a perfect 3-0 record in the group stage.
In the Germany match, Zach Werenski, Tage Thompson, and Brock Faber all scored, while Auston Matthews netted a pair of goals. This flawless performance has earned the Americans a direct passage into the quarterfinals, where they will face the winner of the qualifier between Sweden and Latvia—a team they previously defeated earlier in the tournament.
Broader Implications for Player-Fan Relations
The incident raises important questions about the responsibilities of elite athletes to their supporters, especially in high-stakes international competitions. While exhaustion after a grueling match is understandable, many argue that minimal gestures of appreciation are crucial for maintaining goodwill and inspiring future generations of fans.
As Team USA prepares for the knockout stages, the backlash serves as a stark reminder that victories on the scoreboard must sometimes be matched by moments of connection off the ice to truly win the hearts of the public.
