Winnipeg Jets: Nathan Smith and USA are OUT of the 2022 Olympics

The Gold Medal Drought continues for the United States Men’s Hockey Team. Since the “Miracle On Ice Team” captured Gold in 1980 on home soil, the USA has yet to win Olympic Gold again.

Things were looking up at this Olympics for the USA. For a team comprised of 15 college players, including Winnipeg Jets prospect Nathan Smith, the young American team finished undefeated in the group stage and got a bye into the quarterfinals.

The United States disposed of China, Canada, and Germany in the group stage and faced a quarterfinal matchup against Slovakia.

Winnipeg Jets Prospect, Nathan Smith and Team USA lost in the Quarterfinals to Slovakia

Slovakia got off to a 1-0 first period lead and Smith was on the ice for the goal against. Fortunately in the final minute of the period, the U.S. answered to tie the game at one heading into the second frame.

Smith had a huge role to play in the United States go-ahead goal as he made a nice play on the zone entry to set up Nick Perbix, who was the 3rd man high on the rush. Perbix then passed the puck to Sam Hentges who slotted the puck home to give the US a 2-1 lead.

The United States took a one-goal lead into the 3rd frame and could not put Slovakia away. Slovakia defended extremely well including killing off a five-on-three penalty.

In the closing minutes of the game, Slovakia pulled their netminder and threw everything they had at the American’s net. They were rewarded with a goal with under a minute left in regulation.

The game then required a ten minute three-on-three overtime and the teams traded chances, but neither team found the back of the net.

Therefore, the teams needed a shootout to decide this one. Both the Americans and Slovaks were unsuccessful in the first three rounds and the U.S. called Smith to take their fourth shot.

Smith tried to make a move and was stopped. Then Slovakia stepped up and scored to take a one-goal lead into the final round.

U.S. Captain, Andy Miele then faced a must-make shot to keep the Olympic dream alive for the U.S. but he was denied and Slovakia booked their ticket to the semifinals.

This was without a doubt a heartbreaking loss for the U.S.A. After being undefeated and getting a bye, many people thought that this was the year they would reclaim gold, but it ended in a heartbreaking fashion.

Nathan Smith’s Final Olympic Stats

Smith finished the tournament with one goal, one assist, two penalty minutes, +2 plus/minus, seven shots on goal, and an average ice time of 10:21 per game over four games.

He also made history as the first American player from the state of Florida to score an Olympic goal when he scored the game winning goal against Germany.

The former Winnipeg Jets’ third-round pick will now return to Minnesota State University as they are in the final stages of their season and are gearing up for a run to the national championship.

Winnipeg Jets Fans: Do you think the Winnipeg Jets should sign Nathan Smith when his college season ends? Leave your comments below!