When the US Men's hockey team won the gold medal on Sunday, an odd Minnesota tradition was kept intact. The tradition has more to do with where a player was born versus any rabbit's foot for luck, but one has to wonder if we could see this tradition end at the next winter Olympics?

It Was Almost A Sure Thing...

When Jack Hughes scored the 'Golden Goal' on Sunday morning here in the US, not only did hockey fans celebrate, but most of the nation seemed to be tuned in to the special moment, including residents of Warroad, Minnesota. You see, every US gold medal that has been won in the past, including Sunday morning, Warroad has had one of their sons involved.

4 Gold Medals With 4 Sons Of Warroad On The Roster

This tradition goes back to 1960, when Brock Nelson's grandfather and great uncle were players on the US Men's Olympic hockey team, and they took home the gold medal. It then took another 20 years before the US Men's Olympic Hockey team would strike gold again.

KROC-AM logo
Get our free mobile app

The 1980 team, dubbed the Miracle on Ice team, beat the U.S.S.R to advance to the gold medal game against Finland at Lake Placid.

And then we had to wait, 46 years actually, before the USA was able to win another gold medal, but once again, Team USA had a former resident from Warroad on the roster in Brock Nelson.

Will The Tradition Continue?

The real question many might have is, what are the odds that Team USA has a former Warroad player on the team in 2030? If the team GM has any sense, I would think there will be at least one, but only time will tell.

READ MORE FROM PAUL SHEA

2026 Winter Olympians with ties to Minnesota

Gallery Credit: Kelly Cordes/TSM/St CLoud

Thanks For The Memories In MN Adam, SKOL Vikings

With the Minnesota Vikings waiving Detroit Lakes-native, former Minnesota State Mankato Maverick, Adam Thielen today, it's only natural to go back and revisit his time with the hometown team. Here are some pictures of Adam in purple from his two stints with the Vikings, and his stats during his time with the Vikings. 

Gallery Credit: Getty Images

Kevin Williams Career As A Minnesota Viking

Kevin Williams was announced as one of the 15 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, class of 2026 this morning. After being drafted 9th overall in 2003 for the Minnesota Vikings he spent the next 10 years with the organization, amassing over 171 regular-season games played for the Vikings and totaling 465 tackles, five interceptions, 60 sacks, 84 QB hits, 104 tackles for loss, seven forced fumbles, 13 fumble recoveries, and 68 passes defensed. Williams scored four defensive touchdowns for Minnesota. Two were interceptions returns and two fumble recoveries.

Gallery Credit: Getty Images

More From KROC-AM