Winter Olympics live: USA beats Canada in sudden-death overtime to win first ice hockey gold since 1980
Jack Hughes scored the winning goal in overtime for the USA’s first ice hockey men’s gold since the 1980’s Miracle on Ice
The United States ended their long wait for an Olympic men's ice hockey gold with a 2-1 overtime victory over Canada in a thrilling final, with Jack Hughes' winning goal delivering their third title and first since 1980.
The triumph comes exactly 46 years to the day of the famous U.S. 'Miracle on Ice' victory over the Soviet Union on the way to their last gold at the Games in Lake Placid.
Almost inevitably, it came down to three-on-three play where Hughes collected a pass from Zach Werenski and coolly fired into the net one minute and 41 seconds into the extra period.
The goal resulted in gloves, helmets and sticks flying over the ice as his teammates ran to smother the American hero.
Billed as the showpiece match the ice hockey world wanted to see following the return of NHL players to the Games after a 12-year absence, the North American rivals did not disappoint, serving up a nerve-jangling classic.
Matt Boldy put the U.S. ahead after six minutes with the Americans' first shot of the game and Canada levelled through Cale Makar to set up a nail-biting final period, after U.S. goalie Connor Hellebuyck made 40 saves over the 60 minutes.
Follow all the action with our Winter Olympics live blog below
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The special meaning behind the USA’s golden moment
It wasn’t a miracle, but for Canada it comes close to a national calamity.
Jack Hughes’ overtime winner settled this bad-tempered, neighbourly dispute as the United States won Olympic hockey gold for the first time in nearly half a century.
Back in 1980, it was Herb Brooks’ ragtag college kids who beat the Soviet Union at the height of the Cold War in the ‘Miracle on Ice’ in Lake Placid.
This time it was a stacked team of multi-millionaire NHL all-stars that left Canada shattered and shell-shocked, US goaltender Connor Hellebuyck standing resolute to repel all but one of the 42 shots fired in his direction.
Just moments after the win, Brady Tkachuk came onto the ice with the US jersey of Johnny Gaudreau, who would almost certainly have been part of this team but was hit and killed by a suspected drunk driver two years ago.
Gaudreau’s number 13 jersey has been hanging in the United States locker room since the start of the tournament and members of his family were watching at the Milano Santaguila.
“This win is for him and them,” said Tkachuk.
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The special meaning behind the USA’s golden moment
USA players receive their gold medals
The national anthem plays as the USA team receive their gold medals
A proud moment for the USA team as they receive their gold medals and watch as the American flag is lifted towards the rafters while the national anthem is played.
Donald Trump reacts to USA's victory over Canada
Donald Trump has reacted to the USA’s dramatic victory over Canada in the Olympics ice hockey gold medal match.
Posting on his Truth social, the US president said: “Congratulations to our great U.S.A. Ice Hockey team. THEY WON THE GOLD. WOW! President DONALD J. TRUMP”.
He added: “WHAT A GAME!!! President DJT”.
USA finish the Winter Olympics second on medal table
After two final gold medals in the men’s and women’s ice hockey finals, the United States finish the Winter Olympic second in the table - behind Norway.
USA pay tribute to Gaudreau brothers after winning gold
After winning the gold medal, the USA players skated around the ice holding up the jerseys of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.
Johnny Gaudreau would likely have been on the USA team that played at the Winter Olympics, but he and his brother were killed in August 2024 when they were struck by an SUV while cycling.
Their numbers have been retired in their honour.
Auston Matthews, Zach Werenski, and Matthew Tkachuk skate around with Johnny Gaudreau’s jersey ❤️ pic.twitter.com/p9DF2wanqL
— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) February 22, 2026
Canada suffer toughest of defeats to rivals USA
This is the first time Canada have lost the gold medal match at the Winter Olympics since Lillehammer 1994.
Player of the match? Hellebuyck keeps USA alive
Canada had 42 shots to the USA’s 28.
But goalkeeper Connor Hellebuyck said ‘not today’.
He was outstanding.
A family affair for the USA in winning Olympic gold
Jack Hughes scored the winning goal for the USA in their first gold medal match since 1980.
His brother, Quinn Hughes, is also on the team and scored the winning goal against Sweden in the quarter-finals, also in overtime!
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