Blood on Ice: U.S. Hockey Team Claims Historic Gold in Milan Cortina
United States players celebrate after beating Canada in overtime to win the women's ice hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
The United States men’s hockey team defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime to earn its third Olympic gold medal and first since the “Miracle on Ice” victory in 1980 — a triumph that occurred exactly 46 years after the famous upset over the Soviet Union.
Jack Hughes scored the decisive goal during overtime with a bloodied face after taking a hard hit from Sam Bennett in the third period. “I looked on the ice and saw my teeth,” Hughes said, adding he had lost a tooth in an NHL game years ago. “I was like, ‘Here we go again.’”
Unlike the ragtag group of college players who pulled off one of sports’ biggest upsets in 1980, this U.S. squad entered Milan Cortina as a cohesive unit, fueled by goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and a roster filled with NHL stars.
“This is all about our country right now,” Hughes said. “I love the U.S.A. I love my teammates. It’s unbelievable. The USA Hockey brotherhood is so strong.”
Hughes’ goal, assisted by Zach Werenski at 1:41 of overtime in a 3-on-3 situation, sparked wild celebrations as Canada watched from the bench. The tribute to Johnny Gaudreau — who died alongside his brother in 2024 — included Werenski and Matthew Tkachuk carrying his No. 13 around the ice.
Gaudreau’s parents, Guy and Jay, his widow Meredith, and their children were present for the ceremony, which coincided with John Jr.’s second birthday.
Hellebuyck was instrumental in the victory, making 41 saves out of 42 shots faced. He recorded a tournament-saving stop on Devon Toews’ shot and denied Macklin Celebrini on a breakaway — an action he also used against Connor McDavid earlier.
“Unbelievable game by Hellebuyck,” Hughes remarked. “He was our best player by a mile.”
The U.S. team advanced to the final after overcoming Canada, which had beaten them at the previous year’s 4 Nations Face-Off and dominated international hockey for the past 16 years.
In a fast-paced game filled with hard hits and post-whistle incidents, the U.S. took an early lead through Matt Boldy before Cale Makar tied it late in the second period. Hellebuyck and the penalty kill were perfect at 18-for-18 during the Olympics.
“I can’t even believe this,” Hughes said. “It’s such an unbelievable game, USA-Canada. We’re a great team. We’re underdogs to Canada, but we beat them. It could have gone either way.”
The U.S. squad was built on a pipeline of talent from grassroots programs. All but two players had passed through the USA Hockey National Team Development Program.
The roster features captain Auston Matthews and top lines including Brady and Matthew Tkachuk alongside Jack Eichel, as well as brothers Jack and Quinn Hughes who played together in youth competitions.
The victory silenced criticism of general manager Bill Guerin for selecting experienced veterans over young NHL scorers. Coach Mike Sullivan’s decision to start Hellebuyck proved decisive, as he was the tournament’s best goaltender.
Canada, Olympic champions in 2010 and 2014, fell short without captain Sidney Crosby, who left early due to injury. Connor McDavid, widely regarded as the world’s top player, suffered a second consecutive title loss after being named team captain during the Olympics.
