Team USA plane gets water salute for heroes upon landing in Miami originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Team USA’s men’s hockey team is back home.
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They landed in Miami on Monday and were given a special heroes welcome.
When their plane drove toward the gate, they were given a water salute. Trucks lined up on both sides and sent water arcs over the plane.
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The water salute is an impressive gesture.
It’s often used to mark a pilot’s retirement or to recognize a new aircraft.
It also has been used when the remains of fallen soldiers are brought home.
In this case, it was used to recognize Olympic gold medalists.
Team USA defeated Canada in overtime on Sunday in Milan, 2-1. It marked the first gold medal for U.S. men’s hockey since 1980, the Miracle On Ice team.
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This group wasn’t a miracle bunch. They included the best NHL players born in the United States.
Still, they were outshot and outplayed by Canada for much of Sunday’s game. Goalie Connor Hellebuyck had a legendary performance with 41 saves, including a couple of near-impossible ones.
Jack Hughes scored the sudden-death game-winner in overtime.
And now, upon arriving home, these gold medal winners have been given a noble salute.
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