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U.S. Hockey Team Cheers for French Teammate at Olympics

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. team-cheers-for-french-teammate-at-olympics.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, February 5th 2026 at 18:07 GMT by NBC Connecticut
      Locales: ITALY, FRANCE

Milan, Italy - February 5th, 2026 - In a powerful display of sportsmanship that transcends national competition, members of the U.S. Women's National Hockey Team were spotted in the stands at an Olympic preliminary game this past Sunday, passionately cheering for teammate Alexa Carpenter - but not as a member of their own squad. Carpenter is currently representing France at the Winter Olympics, a decision stemming from her dual citizenship, and her American colleagues made a significant journey to show their support.

The heartwarming scene, captured by numerous spectators and quickly circulating on social media, underscores a rarely-seen aspect of elite athletics: genuine camaraderie even amidst fierce rivalry. While the U.S. and France are expected to be strong contenders in women's hockey, the U.S. team prioritized personal connection and respect, traveling to Milan as part of their pre-Olympic training to offer Carpenter a tangible boost.

"She's an amazing player and we're so proud of her," said U.S. Hockey team member, Alex Poechman, speaking after the game. "It's just cool to see her out there competing, and even though we're on different teams, we're all in this together." Poechman's words reflect a growing trend in international sports, where athletes are increasingly recognizing shared experiences and mutual respect as paramount, even above national allegiance.

Carpenter's story is particularly unique. Born in the United States to a French mother and an American father, she possesses dual citizenship and had the option to compete for either country. This is becoming increasingly common in the world of international sports, fueled by globalization and increasing cross-cultural families. While some athletes may face difficult choices and pressure to represent a specific nation, Carpenter navigated the situation with grace and ultimately chose to honor her maternal heritage by playing for France. This decision, while potentially creating an on-ice rivalry, didn't diminish the bond she shared with her American teammates.

The U.S. team's support wasn't simply a gesture; it was a deliberate act of solidarity. Travel to Milan from their training base represents a significant logistical undertaking, demonstrating the extent to which the team values their relationship with Carpenter. It also sends a powerful message to the broader sporting world - that Olympic competition isn't solely about winning, but also about celebrating the human spirit and fostering positive relationships.

Experts believe this level of support is indicative of a shift in the culture of women's hockey. For years, the sport faced challenges in terms of funding, visibility, and overall recognition. This fostered a strong sense of community among players, who often supported each other's careers regardless of national affiliation. The success of women's hockey internationally, and the increasing professionalism of the sport, have further solidified these bonds.

Furthermore, Carpenter's family also made the trip to Italy to witness her Olympic debut, adding another layer of emotional significance to the event. Having both her American teammates and her family present created a truly special atmosphere, highlighting the importance of support systems for athletes competing at the highest level. The presence of family underscores the personal sacrifices made by athletes and the role loved ones play in their journeys.

The incident has sparked conversations online about the evolving nature of national identity in sports. With increasing numbers of athletes possessing dual citizenship, the traditional notion of unwavering national loyalty is being challenged. The U.S. Women's Hockey team's actions suggest that a more inclusive and supportive approach - recognizing individual choices and celebrating shared passion for the game - can be incredibly powerful.

As the Olympics continue, the story of Alexa Carpenter and the U.S. Women's Hockey team serves as a reminder that even in the heat of competition, the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie can prevail. It's a testament to the enduring power of human connection and the beauty of celebrating athletic achievement on a global stage.