Oettinger lets kids try on gold medal during charity event

Jake Oettinger helped his HopeCrew go for gold on Monday.

The Dallas Stars goalie allowed members from HopeKids try on his Olympic gold medal during a surprise visit at an Amazon fulfillment center in Grapevine, Texas.

HopeKids is a charity that gives children with life-threatening conditions and their families unique opportunities.

During the 2022-23 season, Oettinger launched an initiative with the charity to host kids and families from the foundation at Stars games. Members of the initiative are called Jake’s HopeCrew.

All the kids were rocking Stars gear and cheered when Oettinger walked in wearing his new gold medal during the visit.

On Feb. 22, Oettinger and Team USA won their first Olympic gold medal since 1980 when the U.S. defeated Team Canada 2-1 in overtime at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.

The Stars goalie then made sure each kid got to feel like a gold medalist in a special medal ceremony.

The only thing missing was a podium.

“It was really fun. Hopefully they were all excited when they found out the surprise,” Oettinger said in a video posted by the Dallas Stars Foundation on social media. “They were all representing the Stars, they all had on their jerseys and stuff.

“I’ve gotten to know these families really well throughout the years and they’re incredible people. The kids are amazing and every time I get the chance to see them and talk to them, it makes my day.”