Noah Hanifin got the wake-up call that most Vegas Golden Knights players and fans would love to hear. No, it isn't a trade from Kelly McCrimmon since he loves to protect his beloved players. Instead, it came from Team USA general manager Bill Guerin regarding his Olympic status.
Noah Hanifin had the best wake up call on Wednesday morning 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/LzKQDrl1hm
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) January 2, 2026
How cool is that? When you've scored two goals and 12 assists this season, you've earned a spot on one of the best teams around. Add in 43 blocked shots and 16 takeaways and you have someone representing the "Red, White, and Blue." All Hanifin needs now are bald eagles and jets flying with Charlotte McKinney hoisting a hot dog and "Free Bird" playing in the background.
What's more is that the Boston native joins his buddy, Jack Eichel, on Team USA. The Golden Knights megastar has 12 goals and 29 assists this season, picking up where he left off. The two best friends are at it again, getting ready to do karate in Milan's garage.
The Golden Knights are already getting representation for Team Canada, too. Mark Stone, Mitch Marner, and Shea Theodore were selected to play for the Northern neighbors, adding more offensive oomph to Canada's team. Imagine facing off against these guys if you're Canada's opponent.
Noah Hanifin and Jack Eichel bring a Vegas Golden Knights style of buddy hockey to Team USA
It's a story worthy of an underdog tale. When you get the call from Bill Guerin to join Team USA, you're getting recognized for your hard work and determination. But that's not the only movie that can be made from this.
Imagine two guys from Boston heading to Italy to play said Olympic hockey for Team USA. You're preparing everything and you're going to the airport for the overnight flight. You have your best friend that you've known since you were a teenager joining you.
That's the case for Noah Hanifin as he joins his buddy, Jack Eichel. Despite not having the most exciting season, the Golden Knights get plenty of representation for the upcoming Olympics. Heck, even an Original Misfit is leading France to its own underdog story!
Whatever the case, the two buddies look to wreak havoc in Italy. Maybe they'll grab some pasta and pick up some Italian along the way. But one thing's certain. Eichel and Hanifin have a story worthy of a blockbuster film. Maybe have Matt Damon and Ben Affleck play the two guys to go full Boston (although Marv from Home Alone should play Eichel, let's be fair).