It’s been exactly forty-six years since the men’s United States hockey team last won Olympic gold. On Sunday, that streak was conquered in a tense, overtime victory against Canada.
For most of the game, it wasn’t clear that the United States would prevail after the team spent much of the game in the defensive zone — even after American Matt Brody scored the first goal six minutes into the first period.
But despite holding a 1-0 lead, the U.S. couldn’t seem to get a grip on the game and seize control, relying on key saves from goaltender, Connor Hellebuyck. With two minutes left in the second period, Canada’s Cale Maker managed to get one past Hellebuyck, tying the game 1-1.
The third period followed a similar script, and the game was sent into overtime.
But less than two minutes in a thrilling 3-on-3 sudden-death round, American Jack Hughes scored the game-winning shot and captured the gold medal.
For the first time in 46 years. USA MEN’S HOCKEY HAS WON GOLD!! JACK HUGHES WITH THE GOLDEN GOAL #USA #Olympics2026 pic.twitter.com/dfN5ZJ2U6e
— The Main Event Hub (@MainEventHub) February 22, 2026
The Olympic tournament seemed almost predestined for Team USA until the quarterfinal matchup, where the U.S. went into an overtime nail-biter against Sweden. They eventually defeated them by a slim 2-1 when two-time all-star Quinn Hughes came through with the game-winner. The team went on to swiftly defeat Slovakia 6-2 in the semifinals.
Adding icing to the cake, the win took place on the anniversary of the ‘Miracle on Ice’ — where Team USA defeated the Soviet Union at the height of the Cold War — which has gone down as one of the greatest wins in sports history. It was the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York, when a team of American college players upset the heavily-favored and defending gold medalists in a 4-3 victory. The broadcaster Al Michaels famously asked, “Do you believe in miracles? YES!” as the game ended.
Nearly half a century later, another generation of Americans has carved its own place in history, and the legacy of Olympic hockey for Team USA endures.
President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to congratulate the team, saying, “Congratulations to our great U.S.A. Ice Hockey team. THEY WON THE GOLD. WOW! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
Jack Hughes had nothing but high praise for the country and his teammates.
POWERFUL: #NHL STAR JACK HUGHES TALKS ABOUT HIS LOVE FOR HIS COUNTRY AFTER SCORING THE GAME-WINNING GOAL TO WIN THE GOLD.
“This is all about our country. I love the USA. I love my teammates. So proud to be an American today. Just a ballsy, gutsy win”
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) February 22, 2026
“This is all about our country. I love the USA. I love my teammates. So proud to be an American today. Just a ballsy, gutsy win,” he said.
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