From the Ice to the Stands: Jeff Lazaro's Olympic Journey and USA Hockey's Future
Jeff Lazaro, a former Boston Bruins player from the 1990s, has a home filled with hockey memorabilia, including pucks, jerseys, and trading cards. He represented the U.S. team at the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, an experience he describes as being on a different scale from his NHL career. Growing up watching Mike Eruzione win the gold medal inspired Lazaro to pursue his own Olympic dream.
Although the 1994 team did not win a medal, Lazaro is optimistic about the current state of USA Hockey. Recent successes in international tournaments, including the World Championships, have shown significant progress for American hockey. Lazaro believes that the U.S. team has a strong chance of standing on the podium at the upcoming Winter Games.
Since retiring from professional hockey in the early 2000s, Lazaro has embraced a new life as a father of five and an insurance salesman. However, his passion for hockey remains strong, especially when the Winter Games are on the horizon. Lazaro is excited to support the U.S. team and relive his own Olympic memories as a spectator.
The men's ice hockey competition at the 2026 Winter Games will kick off on February 11 and culminate with the gold medal match on the same day as the closing ceremony, Sunday, February 22. As the Games approach, Lazaro is eager to immerse himself in the excitement of the tournament and cheer for Team USA to achieve gold.