Feb. 22, 2026 — Milan, Italy The United States men’s ice hockey team defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime to win gold at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, marking the program’s first title since the 1980 Miracle on Ice and third overall. Jack Hughes scored the decisive goal 1:41 into 3-on-3 overtime at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.
Matt Boldy opened scoring for the U.S. at 6:00 of the first period with a backhand past Jordan Binnington, assisted by Quinn Hughes and Auston Matthews. Cale Makar tied it at 18:16 of the second on a snap shot. Connor Hellebuyck made 41 saves for the U.S., including key stops in the third period when Canada outshot the Americans 14-3, earning tournament best goalie honors. Team USA finished undefeated at 4-2-0-0.
Hughes’ winner came off a Zach Werenski pass, sliding through Binnington’s five-hole. He credited the team effort postgame:
“It doesn’t matter about the goal. Just an unbelievable team, unbelievable team win. We’re so proud to be American and to win for our country, to win for the USA Hockey brotherhood.”
Hellebuyck’s performance drew praise from Matthew Tkachuk:
“Oh my gosh, they will be talking about this performance for generations. It was an all-time performance… right up there with Jimmy Craig.”
The U.S. honored late teammate Johnny Gaudreau by carrying his jersey onto the ice and including his family in photos. Brady Tkachuk said:
“It’s just what he means to our entire team… We miss him greatly, and we did it for him.”
Canada outshot the U.S. 42-28 but coach Jon Cooper focused on the positives:
“In the big picture, the real winner of this tournament was ice hockey.”
Drew Doughty added:
“That’s one of the best games I’ve ever seen a team play… We were so good tonight.”
Despite silver, Canada’s Connor McDavid earned tournament MVP with a record 13 points (2G, 11A). Highlights captured the drama.
Finland took bronze over Slovakia 6-1. Both rosters featured NHL stars.
