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The 2026 Winter Games wrapped up this weekend, and if you listened closely, you could hear the proverbial yee-haws echoing from the Italian Alps.
From the ice rinks of Plano to the blue line at the American Airlines Center, our local heroes traded cowboy boots for skates and brought home enough hardware to make a scrap metal dealer jealous.
Let’s take a victory lap and tally the impressive haul that made North Texas the unofficial capital of winter sports this month.
The Golden Girl of Plano
First, let’s talk about the ice queen herself, Amber Glenn. If resilience had a face, it would be smiling from the top of the podium right now. After the heartbreak of missing Beijing in 2022 due to COVID-19, the Plano native roared back. Glenn dazzled in the figure skating team event, helping Team USA secure a gold medal. Her individual free skate was a masterclass in grit, a season-best performance that vaulted her into the top five. The way she bends herself while gliding, spinning on her knees and twisting through the air, turns athleticism into artistry. She’s proof that you don’t need a mountain range to build a champion.
A Miracle on Ice: The Remix
If you felt a disturbance in the force recently, it was probably just the collective roar of local hockey fans realizing the “Miracle on Ice” finally got a sequel. Team USA Men’s Hockey snatched Gold in an overtime thriller against Canada that will be replayed in sports bars until the end of time.
Anchoring that historic squad was none other than Dallas Stars netminder Jake Oettinger. While he played the role of the ultimate wingman as the backup goalie, a gold medal is a gold medal, and “Otter” is bringing that heavy piece of jewelry back to Victory Park. He’s the first active Dallas Star to win Olympic gold for the U.S., etching his name into a history book.
But as jubilation swept across North Texas, the national narrative around this victory took an unexpected turn. In the days following the triumph, headlines shifted from celebration to scrutiny after a viral locker room video involving the team and political figures prompted widespread discussion. For many, it served as a reminder that even in moments of historic athletic accomplishment, Olympic athletes are seen not just for the scores they post, but for the sportsmanship and unity they represent. (Although Neal Broten, who played for the Dallas Stars in the ’94, ’95 and ’97, was on that legendary 1980 Miracle on Ice team.)
Yet, while the spotlight on the men’s team flickered between pride and controversy, the legacy of these Winter Games shines just as brightly — if not brighter — thanks to the women athletes who defined the spirit of Team USA in 2026. Their standout performances and record-setting achievements not only brought home medals, but underscored the power of perseverance, teamwork and excellence on the world stage.
And, interestingly enough, a Plano native had a hand in both Team USA’s hockey gold medals. Ellen Weinberg-Huges, who was raised in Plano and played hockey, is a player development consultant for the women’s team and the mom of men’s Team USA brothers Quinn and Jack Hughes, the latter who scored the gold-winning goal against Canada.
Coppell’s Clutch Commander Seals Hockey Gold
Coppell’s own Hannah Bilka helped script an unforgettable gold medal moment for Team USA in women’s hockey, which saw a dramatic showdown against Team Canada that had the entire nation on edge. In the tense closing minutes, it was her perseverance and energy that helped fuel Team USA’s last-ditch push, setting the stage for the equalizer that forced overtime. When the golden goal finally came, Bilka was right in the heart of the celebration — a key piece of the lineup that delivered the U.S. its first undefeated Olympic run since 1998, and third women’s hockey gold in history. For North Texas, Bilka’s achievement raises the bar and offers proof that the game’s most extraordinary moments can belong to one of our own.
The Finnish Mafia Strikes Bronze
The Dallas Stars locker room is about to get delightfully awkward. While Oettinger is polishing his gold, his teammates — the affectionately dubbed “Finnish Mafia” — were busy securing their own hardware. Miro Heiskanen, Roope Hintz, Mikko Rantanen and Esa Lindell powered Team Finland to a Bronze medal. Watching them fly around the international ice was a reminder of just how spoiled we are to watch them on a Tuesday night against the Predators.
And we can’t forget Thomas Harley, who snagged a silver medal with Team Canada. That’s right: Gold, Silver and Bronze all coming back to the same NHL locker room.
More Than Medals
The North Texas influence stretched even further, shining brightly on the international stage thanks to athletes who brought pride through their determination and skill. UNT alum Kellie Delka took on the terrifying sport of skeleton for her second Olympic Games. She didn’t medal, but anyone willing to slide headfirst down a frozen chute at 80 mph deserves a standing ovation.
Another standout was McKinney native Emily Chan, who brought distinction to the region by competing in figure skating pairs. While she and her partner did not reach the podium, Chan’s poise and artistry on the ice demonstrated the depth of talent North Texas brings to the world stage. Her efforts, along with those of all our local athletes, helped reinforce our presence at the highest level of competition.
The Final Tally
So, what’s the damage? When the snow settled in Milan, athletes with North Texas ties brought home a staggering eight medals:
- Gold: Amber Glenn, Jake Oettinger, Hannah Bilka
- Silver: Thomas Harley
- Bronze: Miro Heiskanen, Roope Hintz, Esa Lindell, Mikko Rantanen
The Victory Tour Comes Home
For those of us who want to bask in the glow of this golden era, you’ve got one chance to see the magic up close. The Stars on Ice tour is sliding into the Credit Union of Texas Event Center in Allen on May 29 at 7 p.m.
Amber Glenn and standout teammate Alysa Liu — whose journey is a universal lesson in loving what you do — will be there, likely spinning fast enough to generate their own weather system. While Liu isn’t from North Texas, her presence adds to the excitement of welcoming Glenn home and showcases Texas hospitality at its finest. Unfortunately, the event and the meet-and-greet with the athletes are already sold out, but we’ll keep you updated if more tickets or opportunities become available.
These games proved that geography is just a suggestion. We may not have the Alps, but we have the athletes. We have the grit. And now, we have the gold to prove it. Welcome home, y’all.
