USA Men’s Hockey Wins First Olympic Gold Since 1980
Written By Gina Anton
MILAN — On a night that will be remembered in U.S. hockey history, Team USA captured its first Olympic men’s ice hockey gold medal since the Miracle on Ice in 1980, edging arch‑rival Canada 2‑1 in overtime at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics on Feb. 22, 2026.
In a game filled with elite skill and tension befitting the storied rivalry, it was Jack Hughes who delivered the gold‑deciding goal at 1:41 of 3‑on‑3 overtime, sliding a snap shot between the pads of Canadian goalie Jordan Binnington off a feed from defenseman Zach Werenski.
“This is all about our country right now,” Hughes said post-game. “That's American hockey right there. That's a great Canadian team but this means so much. We are such a team. The USA brotherhood in this team is so strong.”
The gold medal game opened with an early strike from Matt Boldy, who fired the U.S. on the board just six minutes into the first period, skirting between defenders and beating Binnington to make it 1‑0.
Canada responded late in the second frame when Cale Makar beat U.S. goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to tie the game 1‑1, a scoreline that would hold through the remainder of regulation.
Hellebuyck, the NHL’s 2025 Hart Trophy winner, was spectacular under relentless pressure from Canada’s deep lineup, finishing with 41 saves on 42 shots, including a highlight‑reel stick stop on Devon Toews that kept the Americans alive.
“Unbelievable game by Hellebuyck. He was our best player by a mile,” Hughes said of the U.S. netminder’s performance.
As regulation waned, both teams had power‑play opportunities, but Hellebuyck and the U.S. penalty kill held firm to send the contest to sudden death.
Just 1:41 into the extra session, Hughes found the game’s defining moment. Receiving a crisp feed from Werenski in open ice during 3‑on‑3 play, Hughes snapped a shot through Binnington’s five‑hole to ignite celebrations on the American bench and the U.S. contingent in the stands.
Chaos ensued as teammates flooded the ice, embracing Hughes and hoisting sticks to salute the U.S. victory, the first men’s Olympic hockey gold in 46 years.
Statistical Highlights
Final Score: USA 2, Canada 1 (OT)
Goals: Boldy (6:00, 1st); Makar (late 2nd); Hughes (1:41, OT)
Saves/Shots Against: Hellebuyck 41/42
Overtime Winner: Jack Hughes (Z. Werenski)
Hughes, who endured a high stick earlier in the game that cost him a few teeth but didn’t slow him down, embraced the moment with emotion:
“We’re so proud that we could win for the USA Hockey brotherhood. We’re so proud to be American today.”
Defenseman Charlie McAvoy echoed the the same thoughts:
“There is no better feeling in the world. This is that. Just pure joy.”
This gold medal not only ends a 46‑year drought for U.S. men’s hockey on the Olympic stage, it also joins the U.S. women’s team’s gold from earlier in the Games, marking a historic dual triumph for USA Hockey at Milano Cortina.
The significance of this victory, achieved against hockey’s perennial powerhouse under the brightest spotlight, will resonate through the sport for years to come.
