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Capitals legend T.J. Oshie scores on Sergei Bobrovsky in the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
Washington Capitals legend T.J. Oshie is headed to the Super Bowl. Oshie joins Hollywood icon Kurt Russell, actor Lewis Pullman, and Olympian gold medalist Chloe Kim in Michaelob Ultra’s Super Bowl ad. The ad, entitled “The ULTRA instructor”, draws on Olympic legends of the past and the fun of the future.
Heavy.com writer Jake Rivard had the unique opportunity to sit down with Oshie to discuss the ad and Oshie’s time in the Olympics.
Jake: Hi, T.J.! Thanks for joining us. This is your first Super Bowl appearance, right? What drew you to this commercial in particular?
T.J.: When I first heard about the shoot, I thought it was phenomenal. I love the competitive nature that the ad brings and getting to work with Kurt Russell was amazing. I actually played with his son growing up — he was a goaltender! Think I might have scored on him. I’m not sure. [laughs]. But, yeah, it just seemed like a perfect fit. It was really eye-opening, too. I’ve never been a part of something like that.
Oshie on Playing for Team USA
J: You played for the Capitals for a while, but I’m sure it meant even more to play for Team USA. Tell me a little about that.
T.J.: It’s a tough question, right? You know, it’s almost like someone wins a Stanley Cup and people ask what it means to them. I mean, it’s been my whole life working towards this one goal. Finally being able to do it is incredible. But, you know, it’s more than that. Wearing the red, white, and blue is another thing entirely. The pride and honor to represent your country is amazing.
You go from D.C. to Pittsburgh and everyone in Pennsylvania hates you [laughs]. But there’s one moment where the people that usually hate you love you. Seeing everyone put their rivalries aside to come together was really special to me.
J: For the most part, we only really know what happens on the ice. What did you do when you guys weren’t playing?
T.J.: Our tournament is very different from everyone else’s at the Olympics. We don’t get to do the opening ceremony or the closing ceremony. We come in and play, try to win a gold medal, then we’re out of there. So our time was spent at the USA Hockey house or playing cards in the room. it’s almost like a playoff atmosphere, where you’re not really going out on the town. You’re in the hotel eating, bonding as a team, saving your legs a bit.
Oshie on Bonding with Teammates
J: Did you wind up getting to know any players better?
T.J.: Phil Kessel and I had this kind of childhood rivalry playing against each other in college and then throughout our whole NHL careers. He loves cards, I love cards, so we wound up playing quite a bit. He was, you know, probably our best player in the tournament. I think he led the team in points. Got along really well with Blake Wheeler, too. We grew up playing together in high school, then college, then pro. There were a bunch of guys I really bonded with.
That’s actually how I got to know (Captials defenseman) John Carlson. Now, I’d consider him one of my best friends. It’s funny, you spend your whole career battling against these guys, then at the Olympics, you’re like “oh, thank God, you’re on my team for a change”.
What Fans Should Expect in 2026
J: What about the 2026 Winter Olympics? Are there any players you have your eyes on or advice you’d give to them?
T.J.: I played with Brady and Matthew (Tkachuk)’s dad in St. Louis. So, in my rookie year, Brady and Matthew were always running around the locker room. I’ve always been a big fan of theirs. They come from a phenomenal family. They’re really easy to cheer for, y’know? I know you probably hate those guys if you’re an opposing team, but when they represent your country, those are the guys you want on your team.
I’m also cheering for Quinn Hughes. He’s going to make a big impact on the back end to help create some offense. Honestly, if I had to cheer for a team outside Team USA, it’s Sweden. Some of my best friends are from Sweden. Patrik Berglund’s a great example. (Former Capitals center) Nick Backstrom’s kids and my kids FaceTime all the time. And, if I had to pick a team to get it done and it not be USA or Canada, it’s them.
Oshie’s Favorite Moment at the 2014 Olympics
J: Apart from your legendary appearance in the shootout, did you have any other major moments that stuck with you?
T.J.: I got to jump in the Black Sea. After we lost, I was like, “I’m not leaving this place without doing it”. It was freezing cold, by the way. I suggest not doing it or bringing a towel. Me and David Backes did it together. But my favorite times came when were were in the hotel just playing cards and bonding together.
It’s funny how many stories are so similar from team to team. When I look back on my career, those are the special moments for me. The shootout obviously stands out, but the bonds we made are what stuck with me the most.
You can catch Capitals legend T.J. Oshie and Kurt Russell on The ULTRA Instructor during the Super Bowl on February 8th, 2026.
Jake Rivard Jake Rivard (@313Hockey) has covered the Detroit Red Wings for AP, 313 Hockey, Winging it in Motown, Last Word on Sports, and The Hockey. Joined by his cat Jimmy, Jake has made it his goal to spread the word of Hockeytown from sea to shining sea. More about Jake Rivard
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