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The United States men’s ice hockey team won the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, defeating Canada 2–1 in overtime in the gold medal game on February 22, 2026. According to official Olympic reports, the victory marked the first Olympic men’s hockey gold for the United States since 1980.
In the championship game, Jack Hughes scored the winning goal 1 minute and 41 seconds into overtime. U.S. goaltender Connor Hellebuyck made 41 saves during regulation and overtime, and Canada outshot the United States in the game. The win ended a 46-year gap between Olympic gold medals for the U.S. men’s hockey program.
During the third period, Hughes was struck in the mouth by a high stick from a Canadian player. According to WHSV News, Hughes lost teeth on the play but returned to the ice. The outlet reported that he “lost teeth after a high stick to the mouth” before scoring the overtime goal. Hughes later stated he looked down and saw his teeth on the ice after the incident. He continued playing and scored the decisive goal despite the injury.
Following the game, President Donald Trump called the team in the locker room to congratulate them. Video of the call showed players celebrating as they held a phone so the president could address them. According to The Guardian, Trump invited the players to attend his upcoming State of the Union address and told them he might “send a military plane or something” to bring them to Washington.
The United States women’s hockey team also won gold at the same Games. A spokesperson for USA Hockey told The Guardian that the women’s team was “honored to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment,” but declined the invitation because of prior commitments.
The men’s team’s victory in Milan drew national attention because it came 46 years after the 1980 Olympic win in Lake Placid. Official Olympic records and contemporary media coverage described the result as a major achievement for USA Hockey and one of the most significant moments in recent American Olympic competition.
