BL.0.0.D, GRIT, AND GOLD — Team USA Stuns Canada in Overtime Thriller for First Olympic Title in Decades

History came alive in Milan as the United States edged out longtime rival Canada in a dramatic overtime showdown to capture Olympic men’s hockey gold — their first since 1980.

Jack Hughes sealed the moment with a clutch golden goal, igniting wild celebrations from teammates and fans alike inside the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. The victory wasn’t just another win — it was a statement of resilience, skill, and belief, ending a decades-long wait in unforgettable fashion.

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USA forward and team-leading goal scorer pots his fourth of the tournament in extra time to defeat Canada 2-1 in men’s ice hockey final at Milano Cortina 2026.

Picture by Elsa/Getty Images

By Erica L. Ayala23 February 2026 06:08 GMT+74 min read

It came 46 years to the day, but the United States men’s ice hockey team has captured Olympic gold for the first time since the 1980 “Miracle on Ice.”

The U.S. defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime to secure the third Olympic gold medal in men’s ice hockey at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 on Sunday (22 February).

Jack Hughes, who stars for the National Hockey League’s New Jersey Devils, played hero, scoring the game-winning goal 1:41 into overtime to ice the win.

“I’m just proud that we won. So happy that this group of guys can win, and we’re the gold medallists,” a “toothless” – missing a pair of teeth, actually – and nearly speechless Hughes told the media in the mixed zone at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.

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Jack Hughes of the United States celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal in overtime against Canada in the men’s gold medal ice hockey game at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

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Built different

Hughes, who was hit with a high stick from Canadian forward Sam Bennett (Florida Panthers) during the game, remarked on his new look.

“I looked on the ice and saw my teeth like, ‘Here we go again,’” the forward jested, recounting the incident.

“I’m from the best country in the world. We’ve got great dentists there, too. So I’m lucky I’m American, and they’re gonna fix me right up.”

Losing those teeth didn’t deter Hughes, who went on to claim gold for the U.S. in overtime. You might say Jack is a “whiskey” drinker, according to USA head coach Mike Sullivan.

“The team was built with personality. We were loaded with personality, up and down our line. (In life) there are whiskey drinkers and milk drinkers. There are a lot of whiskey drinkers on this roster,” Sullivan said in a post-game press conference.

“Jack had a terrific tournament. From the first game on, the goals he scored were big-time goals. He’s a high stakes player, you know? He brought his very best … Tonight was a perfect example of it.”

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Gold medalists Quinn Hughes #43 and Jack Hughes #86 of Team United States celebrates after the medal ceremony for Men’s Ice Hockey following the Men’s Gold Medal match between Canada and the United States on day 16 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Whatever it takes

Hughes’ best also included defending against the best in the 3-on-3 overtime.

Sullivan took a break from answering questions to ask Jack about his play in overtime leading to his goal. Hughes said he experienced a fleeting moment of panic before making his move.

“My first thought was, ‘I got to gap up,’ and I was like, ‘I can’t gap up. He’ll just blow right by me.’ So I’m just sunk in.”

This was precisely this gritty and unselfish approach to play that USA leaders like Brady Tkachuk had identified in the team all tournament.

“At the end of the day, it’s just kind of do whatever it takes to help the team win,” the Ottawa Senators forward said last week.

Hughes finished the tournament with four goals and three assists for seven points through six games at the 2026 Winter Olympics. His golden goal in overtime was assisted by Zach Werenski (Columbus Blue Jackets) and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets).

All-Tournament honors

It’s fitting Hellebuyck picked up a goalie assist, as he was the backbone of the Americans in grinding out the win Sunday afternoon at the Milano Cortina 2026 tournament.

The three-time Vezina Trophy winner as the NHL’s best goalie made 41 saves in the 2-1 overtime win. Hellebuyck was named Best Goalkeeper of the 2026 Winter Olympics, joining USA teammates Quinn Hughes (Jack’s older brother) as members of both the Tournament Directorate Three Best Players and the Media All-Star Team, as decided by Milano Cortina 2026 working media.

It was a very good tournament for the Hughes family. On 18 February, defenseman Quinn scored the game-winning goal in overtime against Sweden to propel the United States into the semi-finals.

The next day (19 February), former player and current women’s team player development coach Ellen Hughes watched her players claim Olympic gold.

On Sunday (22 February), Ellen watched two of her sons celebrate Olympic gold on the ice as brothers and teammates.

“It’s a blessing,” Ellen said before Milano Cortina 2026, “and (I) hope for a lot of wins.”

Wish granted.