Significant Performance from Tage

MILAN – Some of Tage Thompson’s most cherished memories from his youth hockey days are the simplest ones, not solely the goals, wins, or championships.

The son of former NHL player and current Hershey Bears assistant coach Brent Thompson, Tage traveled across the country with his father, participating in various youth hockey programs in Alaska, Peoria, Illinois, Connecticut, and New York.

“I would say my favorite youth hockey memory is probably just the experience of the hotel and playing knee hockey, all those activities that you get to enjoy as a kid,” Thompson reminisced.

While knee hockey might be somewhat challenging and even painful for the 6-foot-6 forward in the Olympic Village today, Thompson is relishing the youthful atmosphere as Team USA continues its quest for gold.

“It’s been fantastic so far,” Thompson stated. “That’s the whole essence of the experience—staying in the village, getting to know your teammates, and spending time together. The close living quarters allow us to bond as a group.”

The 28-year-old has already made a significant impact for the red, white, and blue, serving as a formidable presence in front of the net, scoring a power-play goal in the team’s opening 5-1 win against Latvia.

“It was a great start, especially after the beginning of the second period when we really ramped it up,” Thompson noted. “Their goalie kept them in it for a while, but we managed to break through. On the power play, Eichs passed it down, and I tried to drive to the net. I had some time and space and just aimed to make a quick move.”

This is the latest impressive performance from Thompson, who netted one of the most crucial goals in USA Hockey history eight months ago, scoring the golden goal in overtime at the 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championship against Switzerland, ending the U.S. Men’s National Team’s 92-year gold-medal drought.

“A pretty surreal moment,” Thompson reflected during the U.S. Olympic Men’s Orientation Camp. “It still hasn’t fully sunk in, the significance of the 92 years and everything. But it was a really enjoyable time over there, obviously a fantastic way to win gold in overtime. A very unique experience.”

Thompson is among five players from that team selected for the U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team. Clayton Keller, Jackson LaCombe, Jeremy Swayman, and Zach Werenski also played vital roles in securing the Men’s Worlds gold medal for the U.S.

GLOVE OF GOLD: Jeremy Swayman and the U.S. Men's National Team Win First IIHF Men's World Championship in 92 years

Swayman is set to make his Olympic debut Saturday in goal against Denmark at 3:10 p.m. ET (USA Network | Peacock). The Anchorage, Alaska, native was 7-0 in the 2025 World Championship, boasting a 1.69 goals-against average and .921 save percentage.

While the tournaments have their clear distinctions, Thompson, who participated in USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program and later at the University of Connecticut, stated that the Men’s Worlds experience served as a valuable reminder for the group regarding the challenges of international hockey and the stakes involved in representing one’s country.

“Just facing adversity, it wasn’t an easy tournament,” Thompson remarked. “Going in, sometimes you underestimate certain teams, and for us, it was a good challenge. Every single night, I thought we managed adversity quite well.”

After being omitted from the United States team for the 4 Nations Face-Off, Thompson has continued to demonstrate that he is one of the most dynamic forwards in the NHL. His 74 goals over the past two seasons rank second in the NHL, only behind Leon Draisaitl, and he leads the league with 62 even-strength goals.

Mike Sullivan, head coach of the U.S. Men’s Olympic Hockey Team, highlighted the potential impact Thompson could have on the power play earlier in the week once the team arrived in Milan.

“He’s an excellent goal scorer,” Sullivan stated following practice. “He has the ability to create plays. We don’t have many right-handed shots among our forwards. As a coaching staff, we prefer to have sticks in the right positions. We believe that gives us an advantage for the type of power play we’re aiming to run. Tage is one of those players who has a right shot and possesses the skill set to fulfill the role we’re asking him to play.”

TAGE THOMPSON’S YOUTH HOCKEY ADVICE

“Don't compare yourself to others,” Thompson advised. “Everyone’s development path is unique. I would say that’s one of the most important things.”

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