Team USA waited 46 years for this. Nobody was staying quiet afterward. Following the Americans' 2-1 overtime win over Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics, the celebration spilled straight into the locker room. Along for it was Kash Patel.
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Video quickly circulated showing Patel spraying beer, singing along to Toby Keith's "Courtesy of the USA," and soaking in the moment as the players let it rip. At one point, Matthew Tkachuk even placed a gold medal around Patel's neck.
Patel did not duck the moment. He embraced it.
A source sent me this video of FBI Director Kash Patel partying with the US Men's Olympic Hockey team. pic.twitter.com/egjmdhOAF6
— William Turton (@WilliamTurton) February 22, 2026
"For the very concerned media," Patel wrote on X, "yes, I love America and was humbled to celebrate this historic moment with the boys."
The scene followed a congratulatory phone call from Donald Trump, who spoke to the team shortly after the win. A White House video later showed Patel holding the phone as Trump addressed the players.
Unity, Sacrifice, Attitude- what it takes to be the best in the world. These men live and breathe it. Now Team USA are gold medal champions, legends standing on the shoulders of giants. Thank you for representing the greatest country on earth, in the greatest game ever created.… pic.twitter.com/hBG987pxM2
— Kash Patel (@Kash_Patel) February 22, 2026
Patel, a longtime hockey fan, also posted photos alongside Jack Hughes, the Tkachuk brothers, and head coach Mike Sullivan.
After some backlash, an FBI spokesperson clarified that Patel's Italy trip was planned months in advance for official meetings and that any personal expenses would be reimbursed.
Context aside, the image was unmistakable. USA hockey finally reclaimed gold. Everyone in the room felt it.
