In a game for the ages, the U.S. men’s national hockey team defeated Canada in the 2026 Winter Olympics championship on Sunday. The victory came on the 46th anniversary of the infamous 1980 Miracle on Ice, which was the last year the American men’s team won gold.
The Americans’ road to the winner’s circle was by no means an easy feat.
While a first-period goal by forward Matt Boldy gave Team USA an early 1-0 lead, the Canadians came raging back and tied the game in the concluding minutes of the second period to set up a tense final 20 minutes of play. Thanks to a series of incredible saves by American goalie Connor Hellebuyck during the third period, the matchup remained scoreless and went to overtime.
JACK HUGHES DELIVERS AMERICA'S GOLDEN MOMENT IN OVERTIME. pic.twitter.com/4foFDOri53
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 22, 2026
Jack Hughes, who scored the game winning goal for the United States:
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) February 22, 2026
“This is all about our country. I love the USA.”
pic.twitter.com/ymP617K4IT
Hughes went on to give props to Hellebuyck’s “unbelievable” gameplay and his teammates for the “ballsy, gutsy win.” He once again reaffirmed his adoration for America and touted the win as a major victory for the country.
“We’re USA. We’re so proud to be Americans. Tonight was all for the country,” added Hughes, whose brother Quinn Hughes scored the team’s overtime-winning goal in the quarterfinals against Sweden.
The Americans also gave recognition to a probable teammate who couldn’t be at Sunday’s game.
Leading up to the medal ceremony, several of the Team USA players held up the No. 13 jersey of Johnny Gaudreau, an American player who was killed alongside his brother Matthew by an alleged drunk driver in 2024, a day before their sister’s wedding. Johnny was widely expected to make the 2026 team and served as a source of “inspiration” for Team USA throughout the tournament, according to head coach Mike Sullivan.
Team USA brings Johnny Gaudreau's kids into team photo in heartfelt tribute after gold medal win https://t.co/IasapO0cqa pic.twitter.com/Gb2oMr0rwj
— New York Post (@nypost) February 22, 2026
The U.S. men’s team’s victory came several days after the U.S. women’s hockey team similarly defeated the Canadian women’s team for the gold. Much like their male counterparts, the American women beat Canada 2-1 in overtime.
