Boston Bruins’ Charlie McAvoy Reflects on Olympic Gold and Finally Being Able to Call Himself a Winner

Charlie McAvoy has endured more adversity over the past year than most players face in a career. The Bruins defenseman dealt with a shoulder injury that became infected after the 4 Nations Face-Off, ending his 2024-25 season.

A broken jaw and four lost teeth sidelined him for 11 games this season.Away from hockey, McAvoy's family navigated an undisclosed health concern involving his son, Rhys. The 27-year-old kept those details private but acknowledged the toll it took. Winning Olympic gold in Milan provided relief that extended far beyond the rink.

Charlie McAvoy Believes His Family Deserved Something Good

McAvoy spoke with reporters after Team USA's 2-1 overtime victory against Canada, reflecting on what the gold medal meant to his family.

The Long Beach, New York, native discussed the conversations he had with his wife, Kiley, leading up to the tournament. The couple understood just how much they needed this moment together. "We had talked about it leading up to this tournament, just how much has gone on in our lives this year," McAvoy said. "Lot of it is public. But a lot of it not what we've gone through as a family this year."McAvoy revealed the mindset he carried into the gold medal game.

He believed his family had earned the right to celebrate something after months of hardship. "We just kept in my head that, 'We deserve this. We deserve something good to happen to us," he said. "The McAvoys needed a win this year."Having his entire family in the stands made the achievement even more meaningful. His wife, son, parents, and friends from his hometown all witnessed the historic victory together. "This was just amazing for my family to have them there, every one of them," McAvoy said. "We all got to celebrate this and enjoy it together. We'll have this memory forever." McAvoy contributed a pivotal play during the tense third period. With Connor Hellebuyck out of position during a scramble, Tom Wilson flipped a puck toward the open net. McAvoy dashed into the crease and kept it out."The game was just moving so fast," he recalled. "The pressure was so high. It would have definitely gone in if I hadn't been there."

The moment connected McAvoy to the 1980 Miracle on Ice team he grew up idolizing. He knows Mike Eruzione through their Boston University connection and understands his generation now carries that same legacy forward. "I put that on par with the Stanley Cup," McAvoy said. "I did one. I can say I'm a winner now."The Bruins need that winning mentality as they resume their playoff push. Boston holds the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference with a 32-20-5 record and 69 points. McAvoy posted 39 points across 45 games before the Olympic break.