‘I am color blind, so it doesn’t matter to me’: USA’s Jeremy Swayman reacts to long-range goal

It’s easy to feel the nerves when you’re playing at the Winter Olympic Games. That’s what makes this event so high-profile, so exciting.

But for Jeremy Swayman, his Olympic debut with USA’s men’s hockey team on Saturday didn’t start the way he wanted. He allowed a goal on just Denmark’s second shot against – a squeaker down low. But with about seven minutes left in the first, Swayman’s game would get derailed by a long-range shot from around center ice, giving Denmark a 2-1 advantage at the time.

It was a shocking goal, with Swayman – one of the better goalies in the NHL – completely misreading the play. Swayman prepared his glove hand for the shot, only for the puck to go blocker side. Many analysts wondered whether the dark blue boards, which matched the tournament’s colors, had an impact. Swayman, however, didn’t agree.

“I am colour-blind, so it doesn’t matter to me,” Swayman told reporters following the game. “We play in different arenas in the NHL every night, so this is just another one, and a challenge that we have to embrace.”

Swayman allowed another goal late in the second period, but would hold on to give the United States the 6-3 victory. Still, the story of the game seemed to surround the Boston Bruins‘ goaltender’s struggles in what will likely be his only Olympic hockey action of the tournament.

“It is just a battle with adversity,” Swayman said. “I will do whatever I have to do to stop the puck. I am really proud of this group for staying even-keeled. The confidence never left the group, and that is a serious trait at this stage of the tournament. The guys rallied and we got it done.

“The confidence didn’t waver,” Swayman said. “It didn’t waver with myself, and didn’t waver with anyone within the team.”

While the game did get a bit loopy for Swayman at times, he can still claim to have won an Olympic hockey game. He was just happy to get the start, with Connor Hellebuyck projected to go the rest of the way.

“I was overwhelmed with gratitude,” Swayman said. “Every second I get to play this game, I am grateful. And at this stage, it is an extra cherry on top. I was not going to let it slide, it was an incredible atmosphere, an incredible place to be, and I am loving it.”

The Americans will finish their preliminary round action against Germany at 3:10 PM ET on Sunday.