Thompson gets warm welcome in return to Buffalo

Talk about a sweet homecoming for Tage Thompson.

In his first game back in Buffalo since earning the gold medal at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, the Sabres forward got a warm welcome from the KeyBank Center crowd before the team’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday.

Fans waved towels and cheered as Thompson took a short lap around the ice.

The Sabres then held a pregame ceremony for Thompson and the other Team USA Olympians: Golden Knights forward Jack Eichel and defenseman Noah Hanifin.

The three players — as well as Team USA massage therapist Brett Crompton — made their way to center ice and held up an American flag as the crowd chanted, “USA!”

Thompson was then joined by his mom, Kim, wife, Rachel, and sons Brooks and Baker for the ceremonial face off between him and Eichel.

During Team USA’s championship run, which culminated in the epic, 2-1 overtime win over Team Canada in the gold medal game, Thompson scored three goals which was tied for second most on the team.