A stray puck, a quick-thinking dad, and a young fan’s perfect catch turned into a viral moment during the 2026 Winter Olympics women’s hockey rivalry game between the United States and Canada — all captured on video and shared across social media.
Late in the second period of the Milan matchup, with the U.S. already dominating 4–0, a puck flew into the stands and landed in the hands of Drew Schofield, the young son of Team USA player Kendall Coyne-Schofield. The sequence — from the deflection to the celebration — became an instant highlight, racking up views and shares as fans celebrated the feel-good moment.
Michael Schofield, Drew’s father, told NBC Chicago how it unfolded: he knocked the puck down as it came flying into the crowd, and it landed at his son’s feet. Drew spotted it immediately, picked it up, and Michael lifted him into the air as the arena erupted — chants of “USA!” filling the stands.
The moment was captured on the videoboard, and Coyne-Schofield, watching from the ice, smiled as she saw her family’s celebration on the big screen.
Coyne-Schofield and her husband, retired NFL offensive lineman Michael Schofield III, are from Palos Heights. Both attended Sandburg High School, and after his NFL retirement, Michael returned to the school as a volunteer football coach. The couple opened Kendall Coyne Dream Big Park in Palos Heights, a community investment reflecting their commitment to the town.
NBC posted little Drew Schofield’s puck-holding clip as a short highlight, and the video quickly spread across social media platforms. The moment resonated with viewers — a snapshot of Olympic spirit that went beyond the scoreboard.
The U.S. finished the dominant performance with a 5–0 win over Canada, a significant result in one of women’s hockey’s fiercest rivalries. But for one young fan, and the thousands who watched online, the real takeaway was simpler: a kid, a souvenir, and a memory that went viral.
Next up for the U.S. women’s hockey team: a quarterfinal matchup against Italy at Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena, airing on USA Network Friday.
