MASSENA, New York (WWNY) – Mike Trimboli was in the arena in Milan when Jack Hughes delivered the golden goal, giving the U.S. men’s hockey team its first Olympic gold medal since 1980 in Lake Placid. As President of USA Hockey, Trimboli had a front-row seat to history, and he said the moment felt anything but professional.
“For a bunch of professionals sitting up in the suites, we were like a bunch of peewees that just won the tournament, celebrating with each other,” Trimboli said. “What a great feeling!”
Trimboli, a Massena native, has served as President of USA Hockey since 2021. He described the role as one built on trust from the organization’s leadership.
“It’s actually humbling to have the Congress and the board of directors of USA Hockey to put their faith and confidence in me to lead this organization,” he said.
USA Hockey’s role and reach
USA Hockey is the national governing body of hockey in the United States. The organization oversees youth hockey, grows the sport domestically, and organizes and trains men’s and women’s teams for international competition, including the Olympics.
“Anything that wears the USA crest comes under USA Hockey,” Trimboli said.
Balancing Milan and Massena
During the Milan Games, Trimboli traveled back and forth between Italy and New York, where he also coaches the Massena boys varsity hockey team. Both the U.S. men’s and women’s teams won gold medals at the 2026 Games.
Following the men’s gold-medal win, Trimboli celebrated with players, management, and family. He took pictures with the Hughes brothers, Connor Hellebuyck, Auston Matthews, and others.
A tribute to Johnny Gaudreau
Amid the celebration, Trimboli said it was emotional when the team honored the late Johnny Gaudreau on the ice. Gaudreau was killed by an alleged drunk driver in 2024. Trimboli said he spoke with defenseman Zach Werenski shortly after the win.
“The first thing I said to him was, ‘This one is for Johnny,’” Trimboli said. “Zach was very close to Johnny Gaudreau.”
Growth of the sport
Trimboli said USA Hockey typically sees a spike in interest following the Olympics. He said female participation in the sport is currently at an all-time high and is outpacing the male side.
“It was a great accomplishment by both teams in Milan coming away with the double gold, and by doing that, they’ve truly inspired the next generation of youth hockey players all across the United States to want to be like them,” Trimboli said.
He said the long-term success of the program is rooted in local communities.
“A lot of credit has to go to the foundation of our sport that happens at local arenas across the US,” he said.
Trimboli is scheduled to return to Italy to watch the U.S. sled hockey team compete in the Paralympics.
Copyright 2026 WWNY. All rights reserved.