![[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Feb 12, 2026; Milan, Italy; Tage Thompson of United States celebrates scoring their third goal with teammates against Latvia in men's ice hockey group C play during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mike Segar/Reuters via Imagn Images](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_3581,h_2014/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/12/01khbdpcrz1y7xrpf2z6.jpg "[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Feb 12, 2026; Milan, Italy; Tage Thompson of United States celebrates scoring their third goal with teammates against Latvia in men's ice hockey group C play during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mike Segar/Reuters via Imagn Images")
At the Buffalo Sabres' Olympic send-off event, a special player took part in the opening puck drop. Mike Ramsey, who was part of the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" American team, and dropped the puck before the team's loss against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
One Sabres player who shook the hand of Ramsey after pregame ceremony was forward Tage Thompson. The 28-year-old superstar is now in his first Olympics. He has a chance to cement his own legacy at the Games.
Tage Thompson could join a treasured list of Sabres who have made an U.S. Olympic impact
Ramsey was not only a key defenseman for the United States when they upset the heavily favored Russians in 1980 but he was on the ice for the memorable final minute of the 4-3 victory. The United States would take the Gold Medal in the next game.
The Gold Medal victory gave Ramsey immediate status as a legend of USA Hockey and that's why the Sabres celebrate him any chance they get. Ramsey played for Western New York for over 10 seasons.
Ryan Miller also made an impact for the United States while a member of the Sabres
Miller went 5-0-1 in 2010 as he helped lead the United States to a Silver medal. The goaltender was arguably the biggest reason the Americans made the podium. He had a 1.35 goals against average, which is one of the best marks in Olympic history.
Ramsey and Miller both made a major impact on the ice. One player made an even larger impact off the ice by making the roster in 2018. He may of had only one goal in the tournament but Jordan Greenway's mere presence on the ice was monumental.
Greenway (18 at the time) became the first African-American player to make the United States roster and represent his country. It should be remembered as more than a footnote.
Now, Thompson has a chance to become a part of such an esteemed group. He had a long journey to make the roster and now if he can help lead the United States to a medal he may be remembered fondly by both Sabres fans and Team USA fans.
It is remarkable for anyone to represent their country at the Games. However, the famous ones, the ones who fans continue to speak about, do something special at the Olympics. To be sure, the calm Thompson has thus far demonstrated he has the ability to do that.
The forward had his first Olympic goal on the power play in a 5-1 United States victory over Latvia on Thursday.
I am not certain I believe Thompson and the U.S. can win Olympic gold but it could be one of the greatest Olympics moments for the U.S. if they can secure the top spot on podium for the first time since 1980.