Photos by: Kristin Ostrowski/ Rockford IceHogs

Many young hockey players grow up dreaming of one day representing their country on the biggest international stage, and to wear the Olympic crest. For Drew Commesso, that dream became a reality in 2022. 

As the 2026 Olympic Games reach the final stages, the IceHogs' netminder reflects on his time representing Team USA in the 2022 Winter Games. 

“The magnitude of the whole Olympics was incredible. Just being there, it just felt special every single day," Commesso said. "Anytime you can put on a USA sweater, it's such a special feeling with the Olympic logo being on it, it meant just that much more." 

At just 19-years-old, Commesso became the youngest goalie to ever start for the U.S. Men's Olympic Hockey Team. The Norwell, MA native recorded a 29-save shutout to lead Team USA to an 8- 0 victory over China in the preliminary round. 

"To be able to have friends and family back home, six time zones over, watching my games and cheering all of us on, it was extremely special,” Commesso said. 

For Drew, his ability to trust in his skills on the biggest international stage propelled him to a 2-0 record with a 1.00 GAA and a .963 save percentage. 

"Once I got to the rink, it was just playing my own game and having fun. And for me, it was just really enjoying the moment." 

Commesso's Olympic moment came during the opening ceremonies in Beijing where he met an Olympian he had watched growing up. 

"Still to this day, the opening ceremonies were the coolest few hours of my entire life. We were walking to the ceremonies, watching the fireworks go off, and I kind of bumped into someone by accident, pretty hard, was more looking at the fireworks, and I looked next to me, and it was Shaun White." Commesso explained. "I just couldn't believe it. We took a selfie together. I caught up with him. What a genuine, really nice guy. And that was kind of when it really hit me that I was at the Olympics." 

The third-year IceHog expects a few friendly rivalries around the rink as the Olympics come to the finale over the next few days. 

"Anyone it just it means a lot and I think anyone who's ever played for USA hockey is going to be rooting for USA and you know, vice versa with all the Canadian guys here," Commesso said. "It might be a little hostile for a little bit, but all in good fun. All in good fun." 

Commesso has a long list of accolades in the early stages of his career with two Olympic victories and a shutout along with seven AHL shutouts. Earlier this season Commesso became just the fourth goalie in the 100-year history of the Chicago Blackhawks to record a shutout for his first NHL victory.