Gods In Control: Team USA Hockey Stars Jaccob Slavin and Tage Thompson Glorify Christ After Winning Olympic Gold

Team USA Hockey Players Jaccob Slavin and Tage Thompson Credit God After Historic Olympic Gold in Milan

The United States men's hockey team claimed its first Olympic gold medal in 46 years, defeating Canada 2 1 in overtime at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy on February 22. Jack Hughes scored the decisive goal 1 minute and 41 seconds into the 3 on 3 overtime period, ending a drought that stretched all the way back to the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" in Lake Placid.

But beyond the historic victory, two members of Team USA used the global stage to share their faith in Jesus Christ. Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin and Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson both spoke openly about how their relationship with God shaped their careers and sustained them through the grueling Olympic tournament.

Slavin, a 31 year old who has spent his entire 11 year career with the Hurricanes, posted a +1 rating during the gold medal game. A two time Lady Byng Memorial Trophy winner for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct, Slavin said his purpose on the ice goes far beyond winning.

"He's Lord of my life. If He's not Lord of everything, He's not Lord at all. My purpose in life is all to glorify Him because He's worthy."

Slavin has described the Lady Byng Trophy as a reflection of his effort to "represent Jesus the best I can" on and off the ice. His social media bio prominently features the words "All Glory to God" alongside a reference to Galatians 1:10.

Thompson, 28, led Team USA with four shots on goal in the gold medal game and scored goals in three separate Olympic contests during the tournament run. He described a spiritual turning point at age 13 when his faith moved from nominal Christianity to a genuine personal relationship with Christ.

"When you realize that God's in control and He has a plan for you and His plan is far better than anything that we could ever imagine, you just give it over to Him and sit back and enjoy the ride."

The team also honored the late Johnny Gaudreau, a devout Catholic and 11 season NHL winger known as "Johnny Hockey," who was killed by a suspected drunk driver in August 2024 at the age of 31. Teammates Brady Tkachuk and Zach Werenski carried Gaudreau's No. 13 jersey onto the ice during the celebration, and his two young children joined the team for the group photo.

Slavin and Thompson Boldly Share Their Faith in Christ After Leading Team USA to First Hockey Gold Since 1980

The victory completed a dominant tournament run for the Americans, who finished 6 0 and outscored opponents 26 9. The gold medal game fell on the exact 46th anniversary of the legendary 1980 upset against the Soviet Union, adding another layer of significance to an already historic night.

Both Slavin and Thompson have appeared on the Sports Spectrum Podcast to discuss their faith journeys. Thompson's wife was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2018 and is now cancer free, an experience he credits with deepening his reliance on God through adversity.

The Crusader's Opinion

This is what it looks like when men refuse to hide their faith. The world gave Slavin and Thompson the biggest stage in sports and instead of thanking their agents or their trainers first, they pointed straight up. "He's Lord of my life. If He's not Lord of everything, He's not Lord at all." That is a declaration of war against a culture that wants Christianity sanitized, privatized, and silenced.

The secular media will celebrate the gold medal. They will replay the Hughes overtime goal a thousand times. But they will quietly edit out the testimonies. They always do. Meanwhile, these men stood before billions and said the name of Jesus Christ without flinching. That takes more courage than any overtime shift.

And let us not forget Johnny Gaudreau, a faithful Catholic taken from this world by a drunk driver. His teammates carried his jersey because they know something the world forgets: eternal bonds are not broken by death. We need more men like this in every arena, every boardroom, every classroom. Unashamed. Unapologetic. Unstoppable.

Take Action

• Watch Jaccob Slavin's and Tage Thompson's full faith testimonies on the Sports Spectrum Podcast and share them with young athletes in your life.
• Support Hockey Ministries International, which shares the Gospel through hockey at all levels of the sport.
• Encourage Christian athletes in your community. Write a note, send a text, or show up to their games. Let them know their witness matters.
• Donate to The Shepherd's Shield to support persecuted Christians worldwide who face far greater costs for professing their faith.
• Talk to your children about what it means to glorify God in everything they do, whether on the ice, in the classroom, or in their everyday lives. Use Slavin's words: "If He's not Lord of everything, He's not Lord at all."