by Team USA men’s hockey is bringing home the gold medal for the first time since 1980. The gold medal game against Canada on Sunday morning was a hard-fought battle that ended in an overtime victory. The team was sure to honor the Columbus Blue Jackets’ Johnny Gaudreau, who passed away in the fall of 2024 after being struck by a drunk driver while cycling with his brother in New Jersey. Both the men’s and women’s US hockey teams are proud to have won gold at the 2026 Winter Games and plan to celebrate when they return home.
Sunday morning’s game against Canada had fans on the edge of their seats the whole time. With consistent back-and-forth battles and plenty of action, fans were not left disappointed by the rivalry game. Matt Boldy opened the first period with the first goal at 6:00 with help from Auston Matthews and Quinn Hughes. Canada earned a late hooking penalty at 17:03 before the men headed to the locker room.
The US men were awarded two hooking penalties in the middle of the second period, one by Jake Guentzel at 9:27 and the other by Charlie McAvoy at 9:55. Canada closed out the middle frame with their own goal that tied the game at 18:16. With both teams tied at 1-1, they headed off the ice determined to finish strong.
No goals were scored in the final frame, and both teams kept shooting on goal without luck, forcing overtime. Canada was given a high-sticking penalty at 13:26, before Jack Hughes earned his own high-sticking call at 16:37. The US men were sent into the locker room for the final time and did not disappoint when they returned to the ice.
Jack Hughes scored the game-winning goal for the United States at 1:41 into extra time, getting an assist from Zach Werenski and goalkeeper Connor Hellebuyck. The US men were electric after the win, with Jack Hughes saying how strong the brotherhood is on the team, and how proud everyone is to represent Team USA on the ice. Hellebuyck was one of the stars of the game, making an impressive 41 saves out of the 42 shots Canada took on goal.
The United States took second overall in total medals during the Milano Cortina games, earning 12 gold, 12 silver, and 9 bronze, for a total of 33 medals. Norway took first place with a total of 41 medals, 18 of which were gold. Team USA looked impressive during the 2026 Winter Games and is excited to bring home its hardware and celebrate.
Image sourced via Google Images.
