Bruins’ Charlie McAvoy, Jeremy Swayman Eager To Lead USA To Olympic Gold

NHL players are officially back playing at the Olympics, and the Boston Bruins have several players representing them.

One of the favorites to win Olympic gold at the men’s hockey tournament is the USA, which has Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy and goalie Jeremy Swayman on the roster. Ahead of the tournament kicking off, McAvoy and Swayman flew down early to be part of the Opening Ceremonies, which was a cool experience for them.

“It was incredible. I think there was a lot of buildup for it, a lot of excitement,” McAvoy said, via Bruins.com. “I used the chance to meet a lot of other athletes and hear about their sports and how they’ve been doing, because some of them are already getting going.

“Really, it was incredible. That moment is just once in a lifetime when you come out there. I was pretty starstruck looking up and seeing all the lights and everything. I will never forget that moment.”​

After being part of the Olympic experience, McAvoy is ready to get back onto the ice to help the USA win gold. The Bruins star defenseman knows it will be a difficult task, but he has plenty of confidence that the USA can win it all.

“It has been a long time since America has won a gold in the Olympics. Just how special it would be to be part of the group that brings it back,” McAvoy said. “The Miracle on Ice, the movie Miracle, the players from that – they’ve been a huge inspiration to us growing up. You’re scoring the goal and pretending to be Mike Eruzione in the driveway.”

As for Swayman, he’s expected to be the team’s third goalie to begin the tournament. But, he plans to stay ready for his chance to help the USA win another gold, as he did at the World Championships last year.

“That win was a lot deeper than just a gold medal for me personally,” Swayman said. “The adversity that I faced with this last year; it was a really big weight off my shoulders. I am just so grateful that Team USA believed in me to put me a part of that team.

“I’ve got a job to do, and that is to win games for Team USA. I know I am going to do it, and everyone in this room is going to do it. We’re really excited to get moving forward.”

Team USA will take on Latvia on Thursday at 3:10 p.m. ET in its first game. USA will take on Denmark on Saturday at 3:10 p.m. ET and Germany on Sunday at 3:10 p.m. ET to round out its group stage.