Spittin' Chiclets Episode 623: USA Wins Gold

Summary

Spittin' Chiclets Episode 623: USA Wins Gold

Podcast: Spittin' Chiclets (Barstool Sports)
Air Date: February 22, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode is an exuberant, unfiltered celebration of Team USA’s dramatic gold medal victory over Team Canada in men's hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The hosts—Ryan Whitney, Paul “Biz” Bissonnette, Keith Yandle (Yans), Rear Admiral, and producer Mike Grinnell—break down the game, the tournament, and the journey of American hockey. The moment resonates deeply as the U.S. captures its first Olympic gold in men’s hockey since the legendary 1980 “Miracle on Ice.” The discussion is rich with analysis, emotional reactions, and shoutouts to key figures across both teams and throughout the hockey community.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Emotional Responses & Immediate Reactions

• The Win: The hosts are nearly speechless with joy and pride, marveling at the significance of the victory for American hockey.

  • Biz: “We own this game. We are the gold medal winners in the 2026 Winter Olympics. Holy shit.” (02:01)
  • Ryan Whitney: “I have never been more proud to be from the United States of America.” (02:29)

• Conor Hellebuyck’s Heroics: Universally praised as the MVP and a “brick wall,” Hellebuyck’s goaltending is framed as one of the best performances ever.

  • Keith: “You look at that paddle save on Taves, I was like, oh, Jesus. This reeks of when Holtby for Washington reached back and made one... It starts at net.” (04:20)
  • Ryan Whitney: “Conor Hellebuyer. I’m putting a statue of him in my backyard. The guy was absolutely incredible.” (03:04)

• The Growth of USA Hockey: The hosts reflect on the evolution from perennial underdogs to genuine global powerhouses. Bill Guerin’s roster-building is lauded for balancing star power with key role players.

  • Biz: “The fact of the matter is, the amount of heat he took for taking J.T. Miller and Vincent Trocheck… to be on a PK unit that didn’t give up a power play goal against is just tip of the cap to Bill Guerin. Stick it to your guns.” (07:05)

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2. Game Breakdown and Tournament Storylines

• Opening & Game Flow:

  • USA scores first but is “dominated” for long stretches by Canada—pressure, puck possession, and constant attack. However, the U.S. defense and Hellebuyck hold steady.
  • Key defensive plays, especially penalty kills (notably a five-on-three), are highlighted as turning points.

• Notable Moments:

  • Matt Boldy's Opening Goal: “Unbelievable goal...will be remembered the same way Peter Forsberg’s goal will be remembered.” (14:57, Biz)
  • Missed Canadian Chances: “You look at the McKinnon wide open net off the post...he’s gonna have nightmares.” (17:00, Biz and Keith)
  • Jack Hughes' Overtime Winner: Hughes redeems himself after past disappointment to net the golden goal.
    • Biz: “Half the team goes to him, half the team goes to Hellebuyck. Hughes should have just skated right at Hellebuck.” (20:22)
  • Johnny Gaudreau’s Absence: The emotional tribute to Johnny (“Johnny Hockey”) and his family is a touching storyline, with his jersey in the locker room and parents in attendance. (05:25-05:41, Biz & Keith)

• Canada’s Silver & Crosby’s Absence:

  • The Canadian hosts handle defeat with pride, congratulating the U.S., but discuss the absence of Sidney Crosby as a significant factor.
    • Keith: “It’s very unfortunate that we didn’t have Crosby in the lineup...he’s got to pass the C over to McDavid because he can’t dress.” (12:01)

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3. Legacy, Player Recognition & Broader Hockey Impact

• Team Construction vs. Star Power:

  • Guerin’s “team first” approach overglorifying pure scorers is repeatedly vindicated.
  • The growth of U.S. hockey through programs like the NTDP is credited for creating a deep pool of elite talent.

• Stars & Role Players:

  • Jack Hughes: From criticized to golden goal hero. (20:14, Biz)
  • Dylan Larkin: Praised for leadership, on-ice impact, and resilience after a massive hit. (49:06-50:45)
  • Tage Thompson & Clayton Keller: Personal stories, adversity, and critical contributions acknowledged in poignant moments. (51:10-52:02)

• Women’s Hockey Love:

  • Odes to the U.S. women’s team for their own gold and a shoutout to coach John Roblowski, who helped develop both women’s and men’s stars. (31:51, Biz; 45:25, Guest & Biz)
  • Keith: “That Megan Keller goal…was a game that was just like, all right, we’ve dominated Canada all this year…and oh my God, are we going to lose to them when it really matters most?” (31:51)

• Programmatic Progress:

  • Biz: “If you haven’t won before, it’s just harder...these same guys are your national team at the highest level.” (27:04)

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4. The Canadian Perspective and Hockey’s Global Health

• Pride in Performance Despite Loss:

  • Canadian panelists emphasize their pride in the team’s effort and the high standard of play.
  • “A rising tide lifts all ships… look at the strength of hockey right now and all these other nations.” (13:45, Keith)

• Reflections on Development:

  • Discussion of Canada perhaps needing to re-examine its development system and take a page from U.S. structures (e.g., NDTP).
  • Keith: “Less politics involved, and just develop high-end talent.” (31:26)

• Cultural and Social Media Critique:

  • Debate over “everyone gets a ribbon” culture after a controversial “silver shines just as bright” tweet from Hockey Canada. (29:23-30:39)

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5. Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “We are the absolute legends of the game of hockey right now on the men’s and women’s side.” – Biz (52:17)
• “Conor Hellebuyer. I’m putting a statue of him in my backyard.” – Ryan Whitney (03:04)
• “You win gold medals with solid, incredible goaltending.” – Biz quoting John Buccigross (22:04)
• “At some point...you’re going to have to slay the dragon. And they did it.” – Biz (13:55)
• [On the Huges family:] “Imagine how proud they are. Parents. Are you kidding me? It’s like kind of like when a horse wins a Kentucky Derby. I bet you his price of his sperm to skyrocket.” – Keith (45:08)

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6. Timestamps for Essential Segments

• Opening American Reactions & Hellebuyck Praise: 02:01 – 04:17
• Team-building, Guerin’s Strategy: 07:05 – 10:13
• Game Breakdown & Key Moments: 14:57 – 20:22
• Discussion on Crosby’s Absence & Canadian Reflection: 12:01 – 13:55
• Boldy’s Goal & Overtime Details: 14:57 – 19:42
• Broader Impact & NTDP Discussion: 27:04 – 31:26
• Women’s Hockey Gold & Coach Shoutout: 31:51 – 45:25
• Personal Stories: Larkin, Thompson, Keller: 49:06 – 52:02
• Canadian Development Discussion: 31:15 – 31:44
• Closing Legacy Reflections & Future Outlook: 41:49 – 52:17

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Tone & Final Reflections

The episode delivers a blend of boisterous nationalism, deep hockey insight, and genuine emotion. The American hosts switch between celebratory and humbled, while Canadian panelists are gracious in defeat but urge their country to double down on development. There’s reverence for legacy, gratitude for builders like Bill Guerin and John Roblowski, and hope for the future.

This is a can't-miss, historic episode for anyone invested in hockey—rich in storytelling, passionate in delivery, and resonant with both tradition and the promise of what’s next.

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For long-time fans and newcomers alike, this episode encapsulates what Spittin’ Chiclets does best: unscripted, insightful, and deeply human hockey talk at a watershed moment in the sport’s history.

Transcript

[Ryan Whitney]

Hey, Spit and Chiclets listeners. You can find every episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify prime members can listen ad free on Amazon Music.

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[Francis]

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[Ryan Whitney]

me and Ryan have been officially welcomed to the jungle that is Bastool Sports.

[Keith]

I brought it towards the Coyotes and I asked them if it was okay if I join the Spit Chuckles podcast full time.

[Biz]

Brian, Whitney's got a pink Whitney out there now. Sandbagger.

[Keith]

Get that on camera.

[Biz]

Heath Yandel, the song man is a full time member. Marley just got an assist from Chris B. Whoa.

[Ryan Whitney]

We're buzzing right now.

[Biz]

Oh my God, we did it. As we sit here right now, welcome to episode 623 of the Spit and Chiclets podcast. I am looking at Team Canada being put silver medals around their neck, which means Team USA climb the mountain. We own this game. We are the gold medal winners in the 2026 Winter Olympics. Holy shit. Welcome. Shout out Pink Whitney. Oh my God. Did they carry us through those penalty kills throughout that game? And what a game we got to witness. Pink Whitney is always there for you. It was there for us this weekend, this week, and it was there for Team USA all game. How do we even start? I want to just say I have never been more proud to be from the United States of America. What this team showed with resilience, grit. Coming together as one and growing into a true team after that devastating loss last year in the Four nations is something that I will never forget. Conor Hellebuk just put on the best performance a goalie has ever had in the history of a hockey game. Where do we go, boys? Where do we go? Keith? Initial takeaways.

[Ryan Whitney]

Initial takeaways. Conor Hellebuyer. I'm putting a statue of him in my backyard. The guy was absolutely incredible. The big dog showed up. The guys who didn't have, you know, the roles that they usually play in the NHL, the J.T. millers, the Vinnie Trochecks. They shut down Canada 5 on 3. They didn't allow a power play goal the entire tournament. Correct.

[Biz]

Yes.

[Ryan Whitney]

Unbelievable work. Unbelievable job by Billy Garon putting this team together. Not taking, not listening to outside noise that you got to take more goal scorers. He knew what to do. He put this team together and they won gold. Man, this is unbelievable. I'm so happy to be an American every day of my life, but way more today.

[Biz]

Bizarre. What do you got?

[Keith]

I think we just focus on the States to start. I mean, that was just, you know, an incredible run. I think Yan's touched on, on Billy G kind of ignoring the outside noise. And one of the things that came out of the locker room for Matthew and Brady Tkachuk was just the camaraderie and how, you know, anytime anybody made a comment, there was, you know, eight, nine guys ragging on him and it was just such a tight knit group. And yeah, I mean, you knew it was going to be an incredible game. It lived up to every bit of hype.

[Biz]

That was.

[Keith]

That was the greatest hockey game I've ever watched.

[Biz]

Right y.

[Keith]

That, that.

[Ryan Whitney]

And we got to do it together, which made it even more special.

[Keith]

Yeah, and, and I mean, I think it all goes back to Connor Hallebuck. And you, you look at that paddle save on Taves. And when he made that save, I was like, oh, Jesus. This, this reeks of when Holtby for Washington reached back and made one. I think it was on Alex Tuck when, when Washington finally got to the top of the mountain. So it starts a net. And I know that he'd been questioned a lot through these playoff runs he's been on and, and a lot of regular season success, but for him to, to win the big one like that for his country, I'm sure is incredible. And another guy who was probably criticized a lot after four Nation was Jack Hughes and, you know, maybe didn't have the performance there that he wanted to, but I thought he was tremendous all tournament long and then ultimately comes through with the golden goal. So a lot of amazing takeaways from Team usa. One of the, I'd say probably the. The top of the top of the list is just the way that they honor Johnny Goudreau throughout the entire tournament and his family being there to win the gold. And actually during the stream that we had, Yan's brought in.

[Biz]

What a move, Keith. Yeah, what a move.

[Keith]

He actually brought in the Johnny Hockey T shirt in order to represent it on our stream. And they kept fighting and got it done. And, you know, you got to win with class and lose with class. And I just want to congratulate the United States of America on bringing home their first gold medal at the Olympics since 1980.

[Biz]

Well said, Biz. Very classy. And for anyone that's watching or listening, like, this is when I really, really wish Biz had rubbed it in our face last year because it would be a way different vibe in this room. But the man won with class last year and we're not going to sit here and rub it in his face because he didn't do it to us. I will say this, the four nations, incredible tournament, incredible experience, the passion, the fights, what that turned into, that, that was an exhibition. Yeah, that was an exhibition. And I know, Biz, that you do win with class and you are now losing with class. So I'm not going to rub it in. That's not what we're about here. We are a team. You may be Canadian, we may be American, but we are a team. But what you said about Bill Garon, man, he did not care. No, he did not care. And there were definitely people in his ear like, listen, Cole Caulfield is a three on three master, right? You got Jason Robert, Jason Robertson, who's lighting up the league this year. And he said, I'm building a team. I am building a team. I'm having a fourth line, I'm having a third line. I'm having two scoring lines. I love my D. I love my goalie. And he stuck with it. And the fact of the matter is the amount of heat that he took for taking J.T. miller and Vincent Trocheck for them to be on a PK unit that didn't give up a power play goal against is just tip of the cap to Bill Garon. Stick it to your guns.

[Keith]

And very well. Like just dogs. And the team loves them.

[Biz]

The team loves them. And just. It's just been such A long road, right? Like Canada. You guys have been forever the standard, right? It's been elite talent after championship team after gold medal after gold medal. And things changed. It was starting in the late 90s and the National Team Development program came into an existence. And USA Hockey got together and said, we have to do things to change. We have to create more elite talent playing against each other, playing with each other. And the old biz saying, iron, sharpen iron. And it started, and it started growing and that's what I was saying. And you kind of heard about Cain and you heard about Eichel and you heard about Matthews and you heard about Dylan Larkin and Werenski and the Hughes brothers. And all of a sudden, at 15, 16 years old, you weren't just hearing about Canadian superstars and up and coming first overall picks. And it was all right. America's producing superstar talent now. And all these guys, yes, they are most of the, most of them a couple years apart, but they all came through the same program. And USA Hockey was there to support these guys and to set up a place where they could train and become the world class players they are today. And it's just been, it's been uphill climb after uphill climb to finally get here. And Connor Hellebuck was just given his gold medal. It's a guy who went to UMass Lowell and has dealt with all of this kind of just dogging on him in the playoffs. Right. You know you're going to get that heat when you, when you have the regular seasons, you do and you don't perform. But just looking at this roster and looking at Jake Gensel who's from Nebraska, Omaha and Auston Matthews who's from Arizona and all these parts of the country that never produce players that are starting to really give USA Hockey like superpowers in a sense. It just feels. I'm so proud, I'm so proud of this team and these guys and what they've done. And they started winning under 17s, they started winning under 18s. All of a sudden we started winning world juniors. And it's just, you have to win at a young age to know how to win. When you get older and they've been through some tough losses, dude, last year it was heartbreaking. And a guy like Tage Thompson doesn't make that team. You know what I'm going to do? I'm going to go world championships and they win the gold there and it's like, all right, something's building here. And yeah, I'm just so proud to have played for USA Hockey. And I'm sorry for ranting right now, but it's not just me and guys who played in the NHL, right? It's like any single kid who played hockey under the USA Hockey umbrella. You might have played till you were a peewee, you might have played till you're a midget. You were a part of this. You were a part of this, this. This program growing the excellence that it has turned out. And it's just an amazing feeling. And Canada is so good. Like I said, they're so good. Look at that game. I got so many people writing me. You got. You guys get dominated. It's like, buddy, yeah, we got dominated. Look at your fucking team. But we had the better goalie and we had the better team at the end and we won. And it's just an amazing feeling to finally get there.

[Ryan Whitney]

Yeah, it's absolutely incredible. And shout out to the trainers, everyone. You know, the hard work that those guys put in, I think they had to go over early, get them all settled, because these guys are used to the top of the top of the line standard. So unbelievable job by everybody involved. That Billy Guerin hand picked to be on this team. I am so happy. Talk looks like he's going to kill someone on the bench right now.

[Biz]

But, yeah, I. I've been there. It's a horrible feeling.

[Guest]

I guess the entire stadium is chanting Johnny Hock right now.

[Biz]

It's amazing. And to see his parents up there and obviously they're emotional and it's just. He would have been on this team. And the fact USA Hockey flew them in and the jersey's been in the locker room, it's. It's so probably heartbreaking for them to watch and at the same time, like, feeling like they're a part of it makes me happy. Makes me a little emotional. It's just been. It's been a storybook ending. Yeah. And. And the fact biz. And we talked about this, that we even got there, that what Canada had to do to get here and what the US had to deal with against Sweden, like, people thought, oh, us, Canada for the gold medal. And we were telling them, boys, girls, there is so much hockey played to make that happen. And we got it.

[Keith]

Yeah. Yeah. I mean, we discussed Hellebach. I thought the defense for the United States was just remarkable. And it was. It was key that it was a strength. I thought they did a great job of clogging up the middle and really tying guys up around that blue paint. And I know that Canada had their opportunities And I think they're going to look back and think that we should have won this game. I mean, you look at the McKinnon wide open net off the post. We talked about the paddle save and you know, they peppered them but, but ultimately the United States, Ben. But they didn't break and I just, you know, you got to focus on them and tip the cap and if you're Canada, you just got to look in the mirror and, and come back a better team. And I think that, you know, it's very unfortunate that we didn't have Crosby in the lineup.

[Biz]

We haven't brought that up.

[Keith]

And brutal. Yeah, that's probably one of the top storylines for, for Canada. And the fact that, you know, he gets the golden goal, he's, he's the captain of that team and he's got to pass the, the sea over to, to McDavid because he can't dress. And I'm sure he did everything he could to try to get in that lineup, but ultimately not healthy enough to go and he allows another guy to dress. Kind of like the point situation coming in Olympics, given the next guy the opportunity. So as we look at the TV right now, the American flags in the middle and it's being raised and the boys are singing. Their boys are singing. Another a lot of question marks around Auston Matthews is amazing performance. You know, he might not always find the back of the back of the net, but what he does as far as a 200 foot game and winning his shifts and how he plays, it's, it's pretty cool for him to get to experience a big win and, and essentially get the monkey off his back really for a lot of guys in this lineup. Right.

[Ryan Whitney]

Yeah. Talked about it like some guys aren't going to win a Stanley cup, right. So this is their super bowl.

[Keith]

But it goes back like if you want, take it back to the Olympics. Also you talked about how proud you are to be American. Like, I'll say I'm, I'm a very proud Canadian and, and I'm going to be very proud and you know, praise the guys in the way that they handle themselves and the way that they empty the tanks. Like, I really thought today they were the better team. I know the result wasn't there, but I really thought that they took control and they left everything on the ice. So as a proud Canadian, I'm going to remain proud of the boys and just hope that they use this as fuel for the next one. Right. And you talked about ironing sharpened iron, that it's not just, you know, with your own country, it's the sport in general. Like, look at, look at the strength of hockey right now and all these other nations. What's the saying? All high tide lifts all boats.

[Biz]

Yeah. A rising tide rises all ships.

[Keith]

Rising tide lifts all ships. So, yeah, I. Congratulations. I'm a little, I'm a little shell shocked right now, boys.

[Biz]

I thought that was how I felt the same leaving the Boston Garden last year. And, and I just remember leaving, like, if we can get back against them, it's, it's. We ha. We have to win the next time. Like, you just can't keep taking a beat down from Canada. And like I mentioned, like, you have been the standard, but at some point, like, if you're going to get to the top, you're going to have to slay the dragon. And they did it. And seeing these guys get together for this team picture with the gold medals around their neck, looking at Charlie McAvoy, what a season he. He's had in Boston. He comes over and the defense and we haven't even really gone over the game. But Matt Boldy, who Billy Guerin told us before last season, it wasn't even this year. It was before 24, 25 season. He said, I think he can be a 50, 50 guy, 100 point player, 50 goal scorer. And I was like, all right, yeah, you could tell the kid's got skill. He's a better skater than people think. That goal he scored, I mean, it's probably one of the most beautiful goals ever scored in the Olympics. For Americans, that goal will be remembered the same way Peter Forsberg's goal will be remembered.

[Keith]

And also from. Is it, is it Keller, the female who scored the goal?

[Biz]

Yeah. Yes. Very, very similar. Yeah.

[Ryan Whitney]

And England.

[Biz]

And listen, like, it's, it's. I think the question on Canada was their D. And the, the two guys you kind of weren't really, you know, questioning was McCarr and Taves and that's who Matt Boldy walked through.

[Ryan Whitney]

They're getting a good drink.

[Keith]

They got the DRO Kids out there. That's amazing.

[Biz]

That's amazing. This is just, it's, it's a storybook ending, like I said. And for baldy to start it like that and, and to go through the game a little bit to start out like the news of Crosby not playing as an American, I, I was bummed out. You may, you may say I'm lying. I'm telling you, I wanted to beat them at their best and I wanted a guy like that. To be in a game where something he could do, something that you're just like, shaking your head at even more when you look at his career someday. And yesterday, reports were coming up biz, you said in the car he was 70% to play. You read. So I'm like, all right, he's probably going. And then I think around 7am Eastern, it came out, crosby's not playing. So it's like, all right, well, that's a bummer. Big time bummer for Canada, but even Americans, I think having him in the game would have made it a little more sweeter. And then the game starts. First shift of the game, us they had. They had in the zone against McDavid, McKinnon, Celebrini, for a minute and 10 seconds, it was like, holy shit. These guys came to play a couple of minutes later, Boldy ends up getting the goal. And from then on out, it was Canada. The ice was tilted. It was. It was complete domination. And to go down five on three, I think Jens might have said. Or I said, it's probably 1:1. Right. Like, I don't know if they're going to be able to stop these guys. Hellebock with some incredible saves. And they get through that. I'm like, all right, here we go. It's time. And the momentum did not swing back our way. Even after killing a five on three, Canada kept coming shift after shift. Lines a little bit in a. In a blender. But for. For the most part, it was McKinnon with Celebrity and McDavid. Right. And then we started seeing things switch in third, but they kept coming in the third. And what save happened first? Was it the paddle save?

[Keith]

Paddle save.

[Biz]

So the McKinnon empty net miss was after that?

[Keith]

Yes.

[Biz]

Oh, my God. So for the. You know, the guy who's probably leading the race in MVP this season, who has, what, 43 goals before the Olympic break, whatever it is for him to miss that goal, that's one that he'll see.

[Keith]

He's gonna have nightmares.

[Biz]

He's gonna have nightmares. And that's the crazy thing about.

[Keith]

You got the Stanley Cup.

[Biz]

Yeah.

[Keith]

If you add the gold medal next to that, you're forever goaded. And. Yeah. And also, like, we talk about the Tkachuks all the time and. And what they mean to their country. And just absolute gamers like, you see them out there leading the charge with the Goudreau family. They're front and center in this team photo. As you see Billy G. And Fitzgerald now getting added to the mix. Zito, Chris Drury, All. All the boys. So this is a big one, guys. It's. There's a lot of. A lot of praise to go around for this Team USA and how they've become a powerhouse in the world. And man, gold medal for the women's and men's. That's incredible. It's incredible.

[Ryan Whitney]

It is. What I think you mentioned it during the stream, which was huge, obviously, is getting that first goal. They're not used to getting that first goal against Canada. You know, you're playing tied with them. It's like, okay, next goal wins, then they can shut it down. But if you have that lead, you know, you're forcing them to score, to tie it up or whatever the case is. And I thought getting that goal and such a great point by you getting that first goal and just getting some confidence on that bench. Yeah, they didn't have the best second and third period, but they come out in overtime. We knew it wasn't going to go long. Right. It's three on three with the best players in the planet, so. Unbelievable. Unbelievable Tournament A. But that game, man, will go down in history as one of the best games of all.

[Keith]

I will say, though, boys, like, I. I don't understand at the Olympics why they would go three on me neither.

[Ryan Whitney]

I like it. I like it a lot.

[Keith]

No, and that. That's fair. And, you know, it's. I just, you know, you'd like to see real hockey played, but once again, it's not an excuse. I'm just saying I would have liked to have seen five on five and, you know, that's. That's it.

[Ryan Whitney]

How many times do you think Matt Boldy is going to watch that goal?

[Biz]

I would never turn it off. Like, oh, you walk into the house and. Yeah, yeah. Like, you're just like, oh, you have four TVs in the house, but they're just. You're dangling. Kale McCarr and Devon Lay, Devon Taves just going through the middle, batting the puck, down to yourself and then beating Bennington. So, yeah, the. The game, though, like, people. People telling me you got dominated. It's like, buddy, they dominated every single team. Like the first period against Finland, they go down to nothing. Well, the last two periods was the same exact thing we just witnessed. Check had him on the ropes. I mean, the fact that they got through the Check game in Canada, that is they. I mean, they were dead to rights right. Now, granted, there were six guys on the ice.

[Keith]

They're also dead to rights against the

[Biz]

Fins, and they were dead to rights

[Keith]

a Lot of, a lot of energy in those two games given out in order to even get in this situation and clawing back. But I will say it didn't look like it affected their energy. I thought that they looked great and controlled play and yeah, they did not.

[Biz]

They did not stop coming at any point. And that's when you just go back to Hella Buck. It's like. And you're showing right now, we're watching. They're showing pictures of the Hughes brothers playing out. I mean, Crosby jersey on, but he

[Keith]

was incredible the whole tournament. Maybe a little bit quieter, more hell, but his brother comes through and there it is again, the game winner. I did you think he missed his.

[Biz]

I was wondering the same thing if he kind of whiffed on going smelly it to that. But he throws that helmet 400ft in the air. Half the team goes to him, half the team goes to Hella Buck. Hughes should have just skated right at Hella Buck. But yeah, like I thinking about that game moving going in, I, I figured it would be a lot of that. I didn't think it'd be the whole second and third period, right. But when you have a goalie like that, man, it's crazy to think that you're on the bench and you're trying to get it going. There's the save again. You're trying to get it going, but there's just, there's nothing you can do when Canada's coming like that. That skill up front. And the problem was usa they couldn't get it off the wall every single time in the D zone. They're under so much pressure that the rim around the wall is happening and Canada's keeping it in and they're having all this ozone possession time. So it was almost like once the third period happens and we're late in the third period, it's like just get us to overtime. We have a way better chance of scoring three on three than we do five on five at this point. But to get a four minute power play at the end of the game. And the high stick by Sam Bennett on, on. Jack Hughes knocks his tooth out. I thought we might get one here. Not only do we not score, but we take a penalty with like a minute 20 left in the second one. They ragged Canada rags the puck for 30 seconds. So they end up only having to play 49 seconds on four, on four. They got a minute 11 left on the power play. Helibut comes up big a couple times again, even in the overtime. McKinnon came flying through. Put a rocket shot. Hellebuck looks so cool, calm and collected in his crease. And Keith was saying he was playing back deep in his crease. He's just. He's just added. That was. That was at another level. What else are you supposed to say besides, he just stole that game?

[Ryan Whitney]

Yeah.

[Biz]

And last night, I saw a good tweet from John Boucher Grass. He retweeted, you know, all the videos with the rock music and the NASCAR and the fireworks and the. Start your engines. God bless the usa. He said, these videos are great, but you win gold medals with solid, incredible goaltending. And I. I was like, he's 100% right. Like, it doesn't matter how physical they are tomorrow. If Hellebuck doesn't have the game of his life, they're probably not winning. And he did. And. Yeah, there's. There's. I'm at a loss for words. We. My. My wife's given birth. Birth for three kids. This is. This is the happiest moment I've ever had after those three kids being born. Ryder, Wyatt, Cal, and Jack Hughes. So it's just.

[Ryan Whitney]

And shout out, to wit, too, like, there's a storm coming to Boston. He could have left last night, but no, no, no. We stream together, we ride together, we die together. So. Unbelievable.

[Biz]

Four days.

[Ryan Whitney]

I wasn't missing that.

[Biz]

I wasn't missing that. Yeah. Could get. Yeah. I just biz. I want to talk to you, though. We've talked to us. What are. What are people in Canada saying? And I know they're proud, and I don't think the country is a. Is a group of people. I hope they're not going at players. They're saying they played their balls off. Yeah, but who's getting heat? Because heat's coming.

[Keith]

I think you're an. If you go after any of them because of how hard they played and how they. They dominated the pace of play, and they did, and that can't be denied. Did they come up with the. With the W? No, but I think that if you can point at things that were a bit of a letdown, were once again, those missed opportunities and more. So you think that Nate, with the game on his stick in that situation, buries that thing? I think that people are probably going to continue to criticize McJesus on the fact that, you know, he really hasn't. You know, he doesn't have a Stanley Cup. He doesn't have his gold medal. He does have four nations, but as you said, that's. That's exhibition and he comes up pointless. Right. I mean, I believe he was pointless in Game 7 against the Florida Panthers. I don't think he had one in game six in the closeout game in the second of the back to back there and then now nothing. And he comes up empty handed in this gold medal medal performance. And you know, I think people might look at the back check there and how Jack Hughes ended up being all by himself. But you win as a team, you lose as a team. And I would say that right now, I mean, you can't blame Bennington. He said he had a 10 belt. Hughes 10 bell save in overtime with the glove there. Just remarkable. I thought after that save, I'm like, all right, we're going to go down and get one. But that was tough.

[Ryan Whitney]

McDavid just needs to play in a meaningful game that Matthew Tkachuk is not a part of.

[Keith]

Yeah, yeah.

[Ryan Whitney]

He's got to get away from him.

[Francis]

Yeah.

[Biz]

He's just. The Chucks have his number. I'd love to see if. And we'll get it for you next episode because we're just coming off this game. We're kind of all over the place.

[Keith]

Well, keep in mind too, folks, like we've been in. We've been in Florida for just over a week, about eight days now. And. And we've done what we've done three podcasts now. We've done four. Four golf matches, three of which are same sandbaggers. Just finished another one with the Bob does guys. We've done countless amazing interviews. So we're. We. We just as much as Canada and the U.S. empty the tank. We've emptied the tank as well. So probably the.

[Ryan Whitney]

We deserve that shout out to us.

[Keith]

Yeah. So as far as Whitney Ann's and G are concerned, probably the most successful week in Chiclet's history.

[Biz]

Yeah.

[Keith]

For me, it was incredible. I had a blast. Yance, we appreciate your hospitality at your home here. We love you. Your first class as always. Other than that. That silver medal or both silver. Silver medals. Oh, Jesus Christ. I can't even talk.

[Ryan Whitney]

Long week. Long week.

[Keith]

Yo. Other. Other than the two silver medals. I'm forever grateful for you guys. And. And I love you boys.

[Biz]

Yeah, I love you too. Love the United States. And. And I think I want to look up and I want to find out of Team USA how many guys won under 18 golds and world junior golds. Oh.

[Keith]

With that lineup. A ton of them.

[Biz]

And yeah. And I'm.

[Keith]

It's.

[Ad Disclaimer]

It matters.

[Biz]

It's what us was thinking about starting that Program like that, you're growing and building winners. And for so long, Canada dominated world juniors and dominated under 18s and all these different international games that all of a sudden these same guys are your national team players at the highest level. And if you haven't won before, it's just harder and. And thinking of Austin Matthews, right, Like, it's. It's a career changing game, right? The same way it would have been a career changing game for Connor McDavid. Like, who knows if Austin Matthews gets a Stanley cup, but he has a gold medal, and that's something. At the end of the day, and the way he played and him not scoring in the gold medal game, dude, I think there was three or four back checks he had and defense and another two or three defensive zone plays with his stick, picking off passes where for a long time I've kind of dogged them, you know, and I'm giving it to the Leafs. And you've been like, buddy, this guy is so, so good all over the.

[Keith]

I'll defend him till the end.

[Biz]

And you witnessed it, and you witnessed it, and it was against you. And now you just wonder, like, how lucky are we to have best on, best back? Oh, we got the taste last year. And yes, at the beginning of this tournament, there were some games, it's like, all right, Italy, France, whatever you need. Russia back in Russia. But, dude, you got to those quarterfinals. Three of the games went to ot. The other one, Slovakia, they dusted up who did Germany pretty easily. And then you get to the semifinals, and obviously the US Got the luck of the draw, right? We talked about that when the quarterfinals were set. And because Sweden's struggling, US has to play them. It's like, fuck. But if they win, they'll have an easier semifinal than Canada. Canada. Although you're right, they didn't. I was like, fuck, they look tired against Finland. Nate was so sick, but they didn't look tired today. No, no.

[Keith]

And I got to wonder, like, you asked me about the chatter. What will. You know, what will the conversation be like in Canada? I don't know. I think after watching them play, I think Schaefer should have been on the team.

[Biz]

Yeah.

[Keith]

And I think it really sucks at the start of the year that Evan Bouchard had, because if he was firing on all cylinders like he had been the last month, I think, or six weeks even, I think he's on that team. And I really think that McDavid kind of missed that dynamic with him where he knows where he is all the time, you know, Especially on the power play. I think that Canada did lack a little bit of a threat up top with not having a big bomb and big shooter.

[Biz]

Morrissey was a big loss.

[Keith]

Morrissey was a huge loss too.

[Ryan Whitney]

But brought Schaefer over. No.

[Biz]

Once there was no game played and an injury this tournament, the roster set. But you look at Sanheim and listen, all these guys played well.

[Keith]

They played well. And that's why it's hard to criticize it, because they did. If you did the winameter, would you say that Canada was probably at 75,

[Biz]

80% there with what hellbuk done? I think Winameter is like 90%.

[Keith]

Okay. And so that's why it's hard to criticize. But I just, you know, you look at the lack of offense and the fact that they had to claw back in these games and kind of rely on the same guys over the boards time and time again, and once again, I'm probably just nitpicking a little bit, but the, the Bouchard and Schaefer thing is probably another thing that I would say is, is, is on top of people's mind. If you're, if you're quote unquote, talk radio, pointing the finger the next day.

[Ryan Whitney]

And at the end of the day, silver shines just as bright as gold.

[Keith]

That was a tough tweet.

[Biz]

That was the tweet that might have lost the men's game.

[Ryan Whitney]

Yeah.

[Biz]

For anyone who doesn't know when the US Women won gold, Canada hockey tweeted out, silver shines just as bright. Like, it's just, it's one of the most step in about it. Yeah, yeah. It's a mind boggling tweet. But go ahead. You're Canadian.

[Keith]

Like I talked about earlier, I'm proud to be Canadian and I'm really proud of the way the girls played, you know, especially with how they played against the US in the round robin. It was a lot more competitive and it was, you know, we went to overtime for sakes. But we're kind of in this, you know, everybody gets a ribbon era where.

[Biz]

And for you guys, it's gold or bust.

[Ryan Whitney]

Like they used to only sign in gold sharpies.

[Keith]

It's funny. It's. It's this, this social media era where it's like, that's not the tweet. That's not the fucking tweet. We're fucking here to win a gold medal. We're at the. We. We carry ourselves to the highest standard. That was absolute nonsense. Doesn't mean that we're not proud of them doesn't mean that, you know, we don't. We don't think that they brought everything that they could. But stay the fuck off Twitter with that nonsense. And I agree. It just, it just didn't need to be said. It's. It's bad karma, bad juju.

[Ryan Whitney]

Yeah.

[Keith]

And it puts that loser mentality in your brain. So I'm personally, I guess, a little bit more concerned about the future and how Canadian. Canada and Canadians are developing its top end talent. We talk about the cost of it, we talk about maybe there's like less people signing up because of that and just maybe some of the politics involved that's kind of driving people away. So I think that this is a good opportunity for Canada to look themselves in the mirror and focus on the sport that we know best and that we're the best at. Typically.

[Biz]

And typically.

[Keith]

Typically. And just, you know, get back to the drawing board.

[Ryan Whitney]

Do you think Canada maybe starts something like the NDTP type of program?

[Keith]

I. I would personally like that.

[Biz]

Yeah.

[Keith]

You know, we talk. We keep going back to the iron. Iron sharpens iron. And yeah, I would definitely like to see that. And, and just like I said, less politics involved and just develop high end talent. So. Yeah. But once again, guys, congratulations. This was awesome.

[Ryan Whitney]

And, well, classic loser, like your class act all the way.

[Biz]

Classy loser. I mean, I was a classy loser last year, right? You were, yeah.

[Keith]

Yes.

[Biz]

You were losing an exhibition. It's brutal. Winning the gold medal is incredible. I think the girls deserve a little love, too. That Megan Keller goal, because we haven't talked since then. That was. And that was a game that was just like, all right, well, we've dominated Canada all this year in the women's Olympics, and oh, my God, are we gonna lose to them? Like, when it really matters most? It was like we setting the table for the men's the same way it's always happened. And Hillary Knight, who pulls one of the craziest moves I've ever heard, getting engaged the day before the gold medal game. Like that news broke. I was like, what? Like the team's vibing and she wanted to do it. Congratulations. And I love it. Ties it up. And Megan Keller scores. Probably the goal of the tournament until Matt Boldy to win the gold medal. And that was when I was like, all right, can we double gold this thing? Yeah, we can double gold this thing. And, and, and listen, the women's hockey, I believe there was, I think There was at 1.8 million people tuning into the final game like that. That Is incredible. I can't wait to see the numbers on this game because it went to ot people.

[Keith]

I would say 30 million.

[Biz]

You think so?

[Keith]

Absolutely.

[Biz]

Wow.

[Keith]

Absolutely. Because we talked about the early start and how that would maybe affect numbers.

[Biz]

It went later.

[Keith]

I wasn't, I wasn't as. I wasn't like that much in agreement because I think because of the hype of it and the four nations that. Plenty of people, even though west coast, they would be getting up, but by the time that thing reached the second, third period, the buzz online and the. You, You. You would have gotten fomo. Even if you weren't a hockey fan and you were just proud of your country, you'd be like, what the is going on? And I'm sure it was on every single television in every bar across the United States and Canada, maybe even the world. So I would definitely say close to 30. And a storybook ending for the Americans.

[Ryan Whitney]

I wish I didn't watch. It took about seven years off my life watching that game. Had every emotion imaginable. We talked about it during the stream. It's like, as a player, you don't feel this, but as a fan and as American. And there was a commercial in the beginning of the Olympics of, you know, rival teams, and then they come together and, you know, you're rooting on your country. So that's what the best part of the Olympics is. You come together as your countries, you root on these warriors and. And complete nuts out there. It was such a good tournament. Absolute tip of the cap to Milan, putting it on the way that they

[Biz]

did and what it ended up being. Yeah, the storybook ending.

[Keith]

Yeah.

[Ryan Whitney]

And hopefully we'd never see another.

[Keith]

I was pretty critical at the disrespect of not having the rink done on time and kind of, you know, getting it done in the final moment, final seconds, and just getting it over the goal line. But ultimately it. They did get it done. And it looked like an awesome venue. It was packed every game. The fans brought it and. And you know that's what the Olympics is about, right?

[Ryan Whitney]

Yeah.

[Keith]

Coming together, supporting and. And rooting on your nations and. And aside from just the hockey, there were some pretty remarkable stories in the Olympics as well. I thought that the girl who. Who I don't know if she defected from China and. And came over to the United States.

[Biz]

Oh, I think her dad was his dad. Alyssa. Alyssa Lou, I think it was.

[Keith]

Yeah.

[Biz]

Oh, I. I re. Watched it. I. I promised my dad I'd watch the skateboard. It was the most beautiful skate. I Swear it was the. It was the second best thing I watched after Connor Hallebuck winning us a gold medal. Yeah, she skated like an angel and she brought a gold home for us. USA with an unreal Olympics. You guys got the curling by the tip of the finger, but we got almost everything else. And just to finally be on top, man, I can't describe it. And being a fan now, right, Like, I don't know how people who've watched teams play for so long in big games are able to get through these. It is now that is a different level. That is national pride. But watching that game, it's like, brutal to watch. You're like, you're not even comfortable for any minute. You're just ready to throw up. You need a cigarette, you need a drink. Shout out pink, Whitney. But it was just an experience I'll never forget. I will never forget being right here when that goal went in by Jack Hughes and Jack Hughes, who took the heat after the four nations and has been injured so many different years. And then this year, buddy, I think there were moments in that gold medal game. It was like, ah, he's kind of losing on the wall. And then he takes that penalty, right? He high sticks. Who got high stick there?

[Ryan Whitney]

Horvat.

[Biz]

It was, yeah, Horvat.

[Keith]

He had a great game.

[Biz]

Horvat won every single face off. He high sticked Horvat and it was like, oh, my God, this guy's going to be in the box for a loss against Canada. And no, no, Johnny Goodreau, his spirit's up there. He gets out and he buries the winner. And we are gold medal champions. So DraftKings sportsbook. That's what we're here to talk about. It's built for the fastest game on ice. If you're following the line, changes the momentum, swings the heaters. DraftKings sportsbook brings you even closer to action. Hopefully people out there took USA for the gold medal on DraftKings. They got player props and live betting. Every shift, every shot, every save gives you options to get in on the game with DraftKings sportsbook. Teams fighting for position, rivalries getting heated. DraftKings makes every period count. Every power play matter. New customers bet just $5. If your bet wins, you get $2 in bonus bets instantly. Download the DraftKings sportsbook app and use Code Chicklets. That's Code chicklets to turn five bucks into $200 in bonus bets. If your bet wins in partnership with DraftKings, the Crown is yours. And the United States

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[Biz]

Guys give a quick shout out to Roback. I hope those gold medal winning champions of the United States are wearing Roback. Let's talk about it, starting with the Roback Delta Pants. These things are absolute wagon makers. They got they make your butt look nice. I got no butt and it looks okay in these. I'm telling you. They make the caboose look like you've actually been training. They're comfy, they stretch, and they've actually got room in the thighs for us Hockey players. Just an unreal fit. Next up, the Roback Sprint Joggers. These beauties Soft, stretchy dialed. Perfect for lounging, traveling and pretending you're working from home or just crushing some pink Whitney on the couch. If you're due for a new pair of joggers, don't overthink it. Grab the Roback Spring Joggers. So use code chiclets on roback.com for 20 off your purchase through the end of the week. C-I C L-T S on R H O-B-A-K.com. that's 20 off all pants, joggers and more with Code Chiclets. Guys, let's take a minute here and talk about Lucy. Lucy is the obvious choice for the true nicotine poach connoisseur. That's why they're the official nicotine poach partner of Barstool Sports. Every other pouch is the same. Lucy breakers are the only ones doing it differently to give you the longest lasting flavor in pouches. Lucy pouches go up to 12 milligram in strength and have a unique shape that feels great. Lucy's in stores nationwide now or get Lucy delivered to you ASAP. On apps like DoorDash and GoPuff. Lucy is the only pouch that delivers long lasting, on demand flavor. Find a store near you at Lucy Co Stores or get it shipped with 20% off your first order at Lucy Co Chiclets. Using Code Chiclets. Lucy products are only for adults of legal age and every customer's age. Verified Warning this product contains Nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical, like winning.

[Keith]

Another cool story is Johannes Hossflot Clybo takes a selfie with six gold medals. This guy was cross country skiing and he won six gold medals, the most ever won in. In. In a Winter Olympics.

[Ryan Whitney]

Save some. The rest of us.

[Biz]

I know.

[Keith]

Could you imagine taking home six gold medals at one Olympics? I don't know. I don't know if that ever gets broken.

[Biz]

No, no.

[Ryan Whitney]

Is that just winter or.

[Keith]

He took it. He took it home for. Is he from Norway?

[Biz]

Yeah, he was the guy that was sprinting uphill. That was that guy. Yeah, the machine.

[Keith]

Just a sick puppy.

[Ryan Whitney]

I think Norway.

[Biz]

Hella buck.

[Ryan Whitney]

Norway had the most medals, right? We get a medal count?

[Keith]

Oh, yeah.

[Guest]

Medal count is 41. Norway has the most. United States is in second with 33. Netherlands, I mean, Italy in third with 30.

[Biz]

But men's and women's hockey and women's figure skate, those are the big.

[Ryan Whitney]

Yeah, that's the big.

[Biz]

Those are the big three. And we took them all home. And we took them home by the skin of our teeth. Overtime of both gold medal games. It could have easily gone the other way. It's just. God, when Canada got going in that game, it's like I. I was just waiting. I'm like, how is he going to continue to make these saves? There's no way. And some block shots that were. I mean, Jacob slaving, dude, last year it was the four nations when everyone said, holy shit, this guy. And then again this tournament, he doesn't make mistakes. Favor to favor X. Their D are so good.

[Keith]

Their D were just so spread out. And I mean, yeah, they. They were very deep and an area that they. They had over Canada as well.

[Ryan Whitney]

So, no, with the deal, it was kind of like. We even talked about it going into the tournament. It's like, all right, you got Hughes and Warinski. Who's your one? And I think pretty early we saw that that Quinn Hughes was the number one. And he never didn't look like a number one. He was incredible. Warrensky wasn't one of those guys who bitched about not being on the first power play. He did what he needed to do. Had an unbelievable assist on the game winner. Just outworking get who it was. But McKinnon, maybe Nate, and then makes a great pass over to Jack. So, yeah, I mean, this team, we talked about it, The D and the goalie, we're going to win them a game. And that's kind of what happened. You find a lucky go, not lucky goal. You find a goal to win and you win the game. 2, 1. An unbelievable game that hopefully 30 million people watching will never forget.

[Biz]

Yeah, I go back to 96 with your brother and your dad and Tony Amonte scoring that goal against Canada. And I remember just dreaming of being there someday and then getting there and getting the chance and coming so close and losing and then you're back. And just as. As a former player, as a fan, as a citizen of the United States. It was just one fucking time, please. One time. And we did it. And Jack o', Callaghan, that what he said to us, it was. They were standing on the shoulders of the men who came before them. And to know that, like there was so many 8, 9, 10, 11 year old kids in the US today, that that's going to drive them forward, that's a dream of theirs now, that's going to create great players in the next generation that are standing on the shoulders of these guys. And it's just, it's, it's. It's such a proud feeling.

[Keith]

You. You showed me a post as well. That hanging in the locker room, along with a Johnny Goudreau jersey, was a jacket, right, from the 1980 Olympics.

[Biz]

No, it was from the 1960 Olympics.

[Keith]

Okay.

[Ryan Whitney]

It's one of those things, too. Like it, you know, you, you know, you're in the locker room talking Olympics with teammates when you're playing, and you know, all the Canadian sweet, whatever, they're like, yeah, you haven't won anything since 1980. You know, that's a long time at the end of the day. And a lot of these guys weren't even born when that even happened. And I'm sure they all grew up watching the movie and wanting to win the gold. And the fact that they get to do it, that, you know, they'll go down, they cement their names in history forever. Those 20, what is it, 26 guys.

[Guest]

So did it on the same day, too.

[Ryan Whitney]

Yeah, same day they beat Russia, right?

[Guest]

Same day they beat Russia. Crazy.

[Biz]

And they, like, that was miracles. The best, right? It was a miracle. This wasn't. It was a miracle. The way the game went based on.

[Ryan Whitney]

How about the miracle?

[Biz]

The skill level, it's different than Russia, us But we've heard for so long, and rightfully so, from Canada. Fucking 1980. Enough. 1980, 1980. Yeah. You won one game one time. It's like, dude, not anymore, man. Yeah, because 20, 26, we got it. 46 years later, 2026, we got it done and we got it done against McKinnon. And McDavid and Makar and yeah, Crosby wasn't playing. That sucks. But we got it done. And it's just the other storyline was. Yeah. So Dan Myosek. I hope I'm saying that right. Son of evoleth, John Mysek brought a vintage Team USA jacket to Milan that belongs to his 92 year old father who was on the 1960 gold medal team in Squaw Valley. And it's a great Team USA jersey. I mean, jacket. And it was hanging up there along with Johnny's stuff. And it.

[Keith]

They had a lot of juju.

[Biz]

They had a lot of.

[Keith]

They had a lot of juju. It's hard, hard to. With the juju like that.

[Biz]

They had some crazy, crazy vibes and they had the loss last year just to just sit on all year long, dude, all year. And I can't imagine how special the group chat was.

[Ryan Whitney]

Oh my God.

[Biz]

All. All year. Like, you know, you're just catching up with everyone. You're pumping a guy's tire who scores a beautiful goal the night before in the NHL and. And you're like, boys, this is our time. We're going to do it. And it came close against Sweden and their mvp, besides Hellebuck, was Quinn Hughes this tournament and he saved him there and Jack saved him this time. So to be, you know, the Hughes brothers parents, right now you're sitting there like, how is this our life? Like, you try, you pinch yourself like our, our two kids.

[Keith]

Yeah.

[Biz]

It's just crazy. It's crazy.

[Keith]

They show. They showed them when they got their medals. Imagine how proud they are. Parents. Are you kidding me? It's like kind of like when a horse wins a Kentucky Derby. I bet you his price of his sperm to skyrocket.

[Ryan Whitney]

Skyrocket.

[Keith]

Yeah. Yeah. Fair, fair, fair. Get more than the Pokemon card from fucking. What's his name? Jake Paul.

[Guest]

Did you mention John Robowski, the women's coach, who. I just saw a tweet. It says, john Roblowski wins a gold medal with the women's team. And he was also the NTDP coach responsible for developing a lot of the guys on the men's USD. You got to give him some stick taps.

[Biz]

He was. And, and he, he had a superstar group and it was actually one of the teams, I think, who didn't win gold in under 18. And then I, I think he kind of just went through like a little tough time in life and he was bouncing around and he was at some different places and he was looking for a job and he ended up taking over the woman's job and the emotion he showed. He was a really good player. He played at the program himself and he played at Notre Dame. Couple years older than me. A great player. And his emotion man after. And the coaches aren't getting gold medals, but I think for him and going through a lot the past couple years and. And being a part of USA Hockey for so long, you saw his pride. And I can't. I mean, I can't imagine the plane ride home for these guys. It's gonna look like a club.

[Ryan Whitney]

And they're gonna be on the same.

[Keith]

They might be like the Russians from World Juniors. They may get kicked off.

[Ryan Whitney]

They're gonna be on the packing plane as the Canadians, too. So that's a little awesome. Yeah. So all the teams. So it will be the Finnish guys, the Americans, Canadians. And who. Who'd they play in the quarters in Slovakia?

[Guest]

Guys, they just caught Vincent Trocheck on a hot mic saying, I'm getting.

[Biz]

So he said it. They're going to get. They deserve it. Another.

[Ryan Whitney]

Another thing about Billy G. And you lose the four nations, like, he pretty much rolled it back with the same team. He trusted even Kyle Connor. Yeah. And he didn't, you know, play much, but he's a guy. I'm sure he was like, this guy fit in in this group. And it goes to just show like, Billy Guerin is a Hall of Fame player. Unbelievable player. What he did for the US but he knows. And you guys played with him, like. But he knows what a team needs to be good. And it's.

[Keith]

That's why they brought him in to win a cup in Pittsburgh.

[Biz]

That's why when everyone, like, I. I got it right. Like Caulfield and Robertson and Hudson, but it's like, I never. Buddy, I'm gonna. Yeah. Like, I'm tr. Like, he. This guy's won championships, and he knows, like, it's. It's. It's a locker room. It's a team, and them coming together the way they do. He's like, I'm not up. Which is why Tage Thompson was even more impressive. To be able to. To be able to, like, bust your way in to that team. Like, he busted the door down, dude.

[Ryan Whitney]

Yeah.

[Biz]

He went to Worlds, he dominated. They won the gold, and he crushed it this year. He. There was no chance. And his size obviously makes a big. Makes a big part of that decision in thinking about this game against Canada. But he. He knew, all right, this is one guy we can bring in. Right? This is a change we can make. And Anyone questioning Billy, Billy Garon should have to make a public apology on their stupid social media and post all of the times that you say, what an idiot. What's this guy doing? And you know, Mike Sullivan, it's been a disaster in New York this year. Chris Jury's a part of the team. You feel happy for those guys. Trocheck Miller, it's been, it's been a joke there. But dude, they won the gold medal and Connor Hellebuck is. I can't get over what we just witnessed from him.

[Keith]

Oh, I just. This just came to mind too. I think we got to mention Celebrini and what he did at the Olympics as a 19 year old and, and

[Biz]

10 points, five goals.

[Keith]

Yeah, yeah, he scored five fucking goals. And what a special player. And I think he was probably up there and top four or five guys in ice time. And this one, it felt like every time you looked, he was on the ice and still had his motor at the end, no matter how hard they rode him. So really proud of that young kid. And you know, as much as it doesn't feel great right now, there are some pretty bright stars like Schaefer Celebrini and Bard Bedard and some other guys for Canada.

[Biz]

So I do also another guy we haven't really shouted out, out considering he's Larkin. He started the scoring against Slovakia. That ended up being a runaway, which probably helped, right?

[Ryan Whitney]

A little bit.

[Biz]

You can play everyone. But I know Matthew Kachuk, he's. He's kind of who the media really goes towards a lot. He, he's looked at as a big

[Keith]

time leader, which is huge because he takes a lot of attention off the other guys like him and Brady shoulder a lot of that and not having to answer questions and, and you know, just, you know, hearing your quotes constantly. If you're the other guys who have to focus more on gameplay, that to me is huge. And, and also I think that they love it, the fact that those guys are the face of it because they're fucking hilarious. And hey, they're fucking dogs in, in the like.

[Ryan Whitney]

Remember I think it was the World cup team that they built a team to kind of try to shut down Canada, bringing a bunch of third liners and bringing checking guys. But now your checking guys are also your best players. When you got Matthews and Eichel, like your top two centers are also unbelievable defensively. So yeah, what USA Hockey has done, developing players not into just offensive guys but, but complete players.

[Biz]

But Larkin, man, like he, he seems like the, the, a catalyst there yeah, his. His. His energy, every single shift. And, dude, he got murdered. Yeah, I mean, I saw a still shot of that hit. He spun all the way around after getting hit, and his face and neck were bent backwards against the boards. And I was like, I mean, dude, he could have not come back. And I think everyone would have been like, yeah, that's concussion. He came back, played a big role. He was so good. So good in that. In the.

[Ryan Whitney]

In.

[Biz]

In the entire tournament, specifically against Sweden and Slovakia, and. And I just think that he's. He's considered a leader within that group.

[Ryan Whitney]

Yeah.

[Biz]

I think he's a captain of his NHL team, and he's somebody that really knows the room, knows what the room may need because they love him. And the way that Quinn Hughes talked about Dylan Larkin after the. The gold medal. I mean, sorry, the. The goal against Sweden, you know, he's like, I. I look up to this guy. Like, this guy's taught me a lot in life, and he's taught me how to treat people the right way. And that's just. It goes beyond hockey, since we're just

[Keith]

gonna keep double wrist in the U.S. tage Thompson.

[Biz]

Triple, quadruple wrist.

[Keith]

Quadruple wrist. Tage Thompson, incredible AD to this team who had that big goal to win the world championship and also get the Mojo going, and a guy who's had a. Just an awful year. Personally, Clayton Keller losing his father and for him to get added to that group. I know he didn't get a ton of ice time, but he was in the lineup all smiles on the bench and from watching that kid come into league and finish third and Calder voting for rookie of the year and break his femur and face so much adversity through his time in Arizona and then continue to build and build and strive to be a great player. I'm just really happy that. That, you know, after losing his father this year, that he's able to enjoy that moment because he deserves it and so does his family. And I couldn't be prouder of the guy.

[Biz]

Yeah, very well said. Had forgot about that, so. Fuck, man. I. It's like coming off.

[Keith]

If you're Canadian, you're listening to this like, I love you guys. I'm proud of us, and I love Canada, and. But this is. This is Team USA's moment, and they deserve it.

[Biz]

And if you're American, we did it. It's not their game. It's our game. And any single person out there watching or listening that ever played youth hockey, high school hockey, junior hockey in the United States, if you never even played, but you love hockey, and even if this was the first hockey game you ever want one watched, we are the champions. We are the absolute legends of the game of hockey right now on the men's and women's side. And it took everyone out there, it took all the coaches out there, that, that that they give up their time and they're willing to help kids grow the game in the United States. And it takes all the parents. And this is a story that's been built over time, and it finally it came to fruition in Milan in 2026 when we became the standard. The standard. Have a great, great week. Won't happen. A bad habit worth breaking. But it's taking time. And no, don't let. It's going to happen. It's going to happen again.