MILAN – As Team USA’s Haley Winn chases Olympic gold in women’s ice hockey, she’s receiving support not only from her teammates and coaches, but also from a uniquely enthusiastic cheering section: her three brothers. The Winn siblings have become a viral sensation at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, captivating audiences with their increasingly elaborate and patriotic outfits at each game.
Winn, a 22-year-old defenseman from Rochester, New York, is competing on the biggest stage in the world, a dream she’s held since childhood. A photo from her grade school yearbook, shared by her brother Tommy, reads, “Haley Winn, Hockey Olympian,” a testament to her long-held ambition. She has already recorded four points in her first Olympic Games, with one goal and three assists, including a key assist in the 5-0 semifinal shutout of Sweden. The U.S. Women’s team will face rival Canada on Thursday in pursuit of their first Olympic gold medal since 2018.
But the spotlight isn’t solely on Winn’s performance on the ice. Her brothers – Casey, Ryan, and Tommy – have turned every game into a family affair, garnering attention for their coordinated and often outlandish displays of support. Their antics have resonated with fans and drawn media coverage, adding a heartwarming layer to the high-stakes competition.
The brothers’ support began at the 2024 World Championships, but has reached new heights in Milan. “So it started in 2024,” Tommy Winn told USA TODAY Sports. “We actually wore this outfit that I’m wearing now to the World Championships.” Their outfits have included matching American flag tracksuits and bucket hats, a “paperboy” inspired look, and even mullet wigs, all sourced primarily from Amazon. The trio was even shown on the Jumbotron at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena during the semifinal game against Sweden, sporting latex bald eagle masks, drawing cheers from the crowd.
A Lifelong Dream, Supported by Family
Haley Winn’s journey to the Olympics began early, crawling around in hockey pads as a toddler, according to her parents. She began skating at age three on a backyard rink built by her father, Mike, and quickly developed a passion for the sport alongside her three older brothers, all of whom went on to play college hockey. Winn herself continued her hockey career at Clarkson University, becoming a First Team All-American before being drafted second overall in the 2025 PWHL Draft by the Boston Fleet. Team USA highlights her impressive athletic background.
The brothers’ dedication to supporting Haley extends beyond their eye-catching outfits. They’ve embraced the attention, appearing on the Today Show and even meeting Snoop Dogg, who has been actively following the Olympics. “We figured biggest stage of the world, we got to go bigger and better,” Tommy Winn explained. “So we pulled out a new outfit for each game that we went to and we kind of just bounced ideas off each other, saw what we liked, what we didn’t like … It was a collaborative effort.”
Haley Winn’s Reaction to Viral Fame
Despite the attention, the brothers intentionally maintain their outfits a surprise from Haley. “We told her that we were going to be bringing some crazy outfits, so she was kind of aware. But she wanted all the outfits to be a surprise, so she didn’t know exactly what was coming,” Tommy Winn said. He initially thought his sister might be embarrassed by their antics, but Haley has embraced the support wholeheartedly.
“I’m so grateful, obviously, that they’re so passionate and supportive,” Haley Winn told USA TODAY Sports. “I’m definitely glad that they’re taking more of the social media heat. That’s awesome. But no, I mean no embarrassment that they’re supporting us.” She described the experience as “surreal” and expressed her gratitude for having her family present to share in her Olympic dream.
A Calmer Look for the Gold Medal Game
As the U.S. Women’s hockey team prepares for the gold medal match against Canada, the Winn brothers have a different approach planned. “Obviously we just love supporting Haley and the entire US women’s hockey team, but we want just more eyes reaching them and reaching just women’s sports in general,” Tommy Winn said. “That gold medal game, we want all eyes on them. So we’re going to keep it calm and most likely just break out some jerseys.”
The brothers’ support underscores the importance of family in achieving athletic success. Haley Winn has repeatedly emphasized that she “wouldn’t be here” without her family’s unwavering encouragement. As she and her teammates prepare for the final game, the Winn brothers’ dedication serves as a powerful reminder of the bonds that drive athletes to pursue their dreams.
The gold medal game against Canada promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the women’s ice hockey tournament. With the support of her family and the nation behind her, Haley Winn and Team USA will undoubtedly offer their all in pursuit of Olympic glory.
Share your thoughts on this inspiring story and the Winn family’s incredible support in the comments below.
