USA Stuns Canada 2–1 in Overtime to Win 2026 Olympic Men’s Hockey Gold in Milan-Cortina

Jack Hughes scored just 1:41 into overtime as Team USA ended a 46-year gold medal drought, defeating Canada in a dramatic Winter Olympics final.

Team USA defeated its North American opponents 2-1 in overtime on Sunday to capture the gold medal in men's ice hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, shocking Canada in the process. The triumph was the Americans' first Olympic hockey gold since the famous Miracle on Ice in 1980 and snapped a 46 year title drought.

The pivotal moment occurred 1 minute 41 seconds into three-on-three overtime when Jack Hughes, a forward, completed a loose puck following a fumble and blasted it under Canadian goalie Jordan Binnington's pads. It was a unique accomplishment on international ice and the third Olympic gold in US men's hockey history.

Early in the game Matt Boldy gave the US the lead, but as shots piled up overwhelmingly in Canada's favor in the second period, Cale Makar leveled the score. With 41 stops to keep the game tied and force the extra session, American net minder Connor Hellebuyck persevered despite constant pressure.

Canada entered the final with the goal of adding more gold medals to their Olympic record in men's hockey. Although the Canadians outshot the Americans by a major margin and dominated most of the game, effective defense and excellent goaltending kept the score tight.

For the first time in twelve years, NHL players participated in this final, which was one of the Winter Games' main events. It also echoed other epic neighborly matchups, including the 2010 Olympic final, which Canada won in overtime.

With both men's and women's teams defeating Canada in exciting gold medal games, the victory completes an unforgettable Olympic experience for the United States. After the final buzzer, players and supporters celebrating a historic win that might change the country's standing in international hockey poured over the American camp.