Mike Bianchi: Orlando is the birthplace of humidity -- and an American hockey hero

Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel on Feb 26, 2026

Published in Olympics

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ORLANDO, Fla. — As we all know, Orlando is the birthplace of humidity; a place where hot, sticky air doesn’t just reside here; it has filed for homestead exemption. Which is why it felt so especially refreshing to claim a cool little slice of ice hockey glory earlier this week.

The United States won its first Olympic gold medal in men’s hockey since the “Miracle on Ice” in 1980, stunning Canada, 2-1 in overtime. And the hero? Orlando-born Jack Hughes.

Yes, that Jack Hughes.

Less than two minutes into overtime, Hughes buried the game-winner against mighty Canada. This came after he had taken a high stick to the face earlier in the game, lost teeth, bled on the ice and returned like nothing more than a jersey adjustment was required.

Hughes was born in Orlando when his father, Jim Hughes, was an assistant coach for the Orlando Solar Bears. True, he only lived here as an infant. But details are irrelevant in moments like this. We’re claiming him. Proudly. Aggressively. Possessively.

Because he was ours before he was anyone else’s.

And because moments like these belong to the entire country.

Earlier in the game, Hughes was sprawled on the ice after the high stick, teeth knocked out, trainers hovering. In the NBA, that’s two months on the injured list and two more months of dental surgery maintenance rehab. In hockey, it’s a quick repair, a rinse — and back into the fray.

And afterward, Hughes didn’t sound like a conquering hero. He sounded like a kid trying to process a dream. Humble. Grateful. Patriotic. Tough.

“This is all about our country,” Hughes said. “I love the USA. I love my teammates. It’s unbelievable. The USA Hockey brotherhood is so strong.”

It’s no wonder America fell head over heels in love with Jack Hughes on the spot. It’s no wonder why this team struck such a chord with our country’s sports fans. In a divided era, we saw something simple and powerful. We saw unity, resilience and sacrifice. We saw players bleeding and blocking shots. We saw them honor fallen teammate Johnny Gaudreau. We saw a group playing for something bigger than contracts or endorsements.

For one rare, beautiful day, Americans rallied around sticks and skates.

And for once, Orlando wasn’t just the birthplace of humidity.

It was the birthplace of ice-cold, pure-gold Olympic glory.