Following the closing ceremony last week, State Rep. Doug Wozniak applauded the Michigan athletes who represented the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina, highlighting Shelby Township native Kyle Connor and a powerhouse group of southeast Michigan athletes who helped deliver a thrilling men’s ice hockey gold medal victory for Team USA.

Connor, who grew up in Shelby Township before starring at the University of Michigan and advancing to the NHL, was part of a championship roster loaded with talent from metro Detroit. Commerce Township goaltender Connor Hellebuyck delivered a standout performance in net during the gold medal game, while Waterford native Dylan Larkin, Canton brothers Jack and Quinn Hughes, and Grosse Pointe Woods defenseman Zach Werenski helped power the United States through a dramatic tournament run.

“These athletes showed just how big a role southeast Michigan played in securing one of the most exciting victories of the 2026 Winter Games and the United States’ first Olympic men’s hockey gold medal in decades,” Wozniak said.

Wozniak also recognized the many other athletes from across Michigan who represented the United States on the Olympic stage this winter. Ann Arbor native Evan Bates and Novi’s Madison Chock led the group in ice dancing, capturing gold in the team event and silver in the individual competition. The state’s deep skating talent was further reflected by Christina Carreira of St. Clair, Vadym Kolesnik of Novi, and Emilia Zingas of Grosse Pointe Farms, who also competed in ice dance. Michigan athletes made their mark in other events as well, including snowboarder Jake Vedder of Pinckney, freestyle skiers Winter Vinecki of Gaylord and Kaila Kuhn of Boyne City, and veteran snowboarder Nick Baumgartner of Iron River, each representing the state with distinction at the Milan-Cortina Games.

“Michigan has a long tradition of excellence in winter sports, and it was exciting to see so many athletes from our state represent our country on the world stage,” Wozniak said. “I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to each of these competitors. You have made Michigan proud and inspired the next generation of athletes across our state.”