Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy is sharing a behind-the-scenes perspective on Team USA during the Winter Olympics, providing fans with a glimpse into the team’s experiences through his diary entries for The Athletic. At 28 years old, McAvoy, a three-time gold medalist and former standout at Boston University, is participating in his ninth full NHL season. Recently, he was appointed as one of Auston Matthews’ alternate captains for the Olympic Games, joining fellow player Matthew Tkachuk.
In his third diary entry, McAvoy recounts an evening when he and teammates turned on the figure skating to watch the performance of a talented young figure skater, referred to as the “Quad God.” Despite not witnessing the skater’s performance in full, McAvoy expressed sympathy for the athlete, acknowledging the immense pressure and hard work that comes with competing at the Olympics. He reflected on the experience as a reminder for the hockey team to seize their own Olympic opportunities and not let them slip away every four years.
Shifting focus to the ice, McAvoy highlighted Team USA’s recent performance against Latvia, noting the team’s commitment to playing for one another. He expressed anticipation for their upcoming game against Denmark and shared his enthusiasm about playing alongside Quinn Hughes for the first time. McAvoy noted Hughes’ remarkable skills and emphasized the importance of reading off each other on the ice to maximize their effectiveness as a duo.
Amidst the competitive spirit, McAvoy touched upon a previous encounter with player Sandis Vilmanis, acknowledging an incident where Vilmanis inadvertently hit him in the jaw. He appreciated Vilmanis’ apology, choosing to keep their conversation private but indicating a sense of sportsmanship.
The Olympic experience has been special for McAvoy, who is grateful for the presence of his family. His wife and baby are in attendance, allowing them to share in this significant moment together, and he expressed joy after spending quality time with his parents exploring the beautiful city of Milan.
As the Olympics unfold, McAvoy’s reflections illustrate not only the intensity of competition but also the personal connections and support that enrich the experience for athletes.