The United States triumphed over Canada 2-1 in a thrilling overtime showdown to capture the men’s hockey gold medal on the final day of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
Jack Hughes scored the decisive goal just 1 minute and 41 seconds into the 3-on-3 overtime, sending teammates into a jubilant celebration as the Canadian squad looked on from the bench.
Hughes, who had lost several teeth to a high-stick earlier in the game, received a perfect pass from Zach Werenski before firing the game-winner.
Congratulations to our great U.S.A. Ice Hockey team. THEY WON THE GOLD. WOW! President DONALD J. TRUMP pic.twitter.com/OHPLsdO2NC
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 22, 2026
“I can’t even believe this,” Hughes said. “It’s such an unbelievable game, USA-Canada. So many great players, and we played as a team. We’re underdogs to Canada, but we beat them. It could have gone either way.”
“This is all about our country right now,” he added. “I love the U.S.A. I love my teammates. It’s unbelievable. The USA Hockey brotherhood is so strong.”
The victory marks the U.S. men’s hockey team’s third Olympic gold and their first since the iconic “Miracle on Ice” at Lake Placid in 1980.
Exactly 46 years later… Team USA’s first men’s ice hockey GOLD since the miracle on ice. 🇺🇸🏒#MilanoCortina2026 #LakePlacid1980 pic.twitter.com/Z2rajwxM4G
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) February 22, 2026
In a poignant tribute, Werenski and Matthew Tkachuk carried a Johnny Gaudreau No. 13 jersey around the ice in memory of the player, who, along with his brother, was killed in a 2024 traffic incident. Gaudreau’s family—including his parents, widow, and eldest children—were present in the stands.
President Donald Trump congratulated the team in a post on Truth Social, writing: “Congratulations to our great U.S.A. Ice Hockey team. THEY WON THE GOLD. WOW! WHAT A GAME!”
The Milan-Cortina Olympics will close with a vibrant ceremony celebrating Italian music and dance, spanning both classical and contemporary styles.
Internationally acclaimed ballet dancer Roberto Bolle will headline the show alongside popular Italian singer Achille Lauro and DJ Gaby Ponte, bringing the Games to a festive conclusion.
Asim Tanveer is a seasoned journalist working for TV and electronic and print media outlets. He has been working for some of the world’s leading news organizations including Associated Press (AP), Reuters, BBC, CNN, CNBC, Star TV, Voice of America and The New York Times for more than 30 years. He has won several awards for his live coverage of events that include a Reuters News Agency World Award and the Pride of Performance award in 1997.
