2026 Winter Olympics Ice Hockey: USA Edges Canada in Overtime Thriller

Milan, Italy – In a heart-stopping gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics, the United States women’s ice hockey team defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime, claiming their third Olympic gold medal and first since 2018. The dramatic victory unfolded at Santagiulia Arena in Milan on Thursday, marking a thrilling chapter in the long-standing rivalry between these two hockey powerhouses.

Megan Keller, a veteran defender playing in her third Olympics, scored the game-winning goal at 4:07 of overtime. Keller collected a pass from Taylor Heise, skillfully navigated past Canadian defender Claire Thompson, and fired a backhand shot past Ann-Renée Desbiens, the Canadian goaltender. This marked Keller’s third goal of the tournament and cemented her place in Olympic history.

Knight Ties the Game, Sets Olympic Records

The game was forced into overtime thanks to a clutch goal from U.S. captain Hilary Knight. With just 2:04 remaining in the third period and Aerin Frankel pulled for an extra attacker, Knight deflected a shot from Laila Edwards, tying the game 1-1. This goal was historic, as it allowed Knight to set new Olympic records for the most goals and points by any U.S. man or woman throughout their Olympic career. Knight’s performance throughout the tournament was nothing short of exceptional, showcasing her leadership and skill.

Undefeated Run to Gold

Team USA completed the tournament with a perfect 7-0 record, outscoring their opponents 33-2. This undefeated run is the first for the Americans since their gold-winning performance at the 1998 Nagano Games. “Winning gold here in Milan was the ultimate goal, and our group battled constantly to make that a reality,” said U.S. coach John Wroblewski. “From our veteran leadership to our first-time Olympians, this team came together to accomplish something greater than themselves.”

Canada Fights Hard

Canada’s Kristin O’Neill opened the scoring with a short-handed goal early in the second period, giving Canada a 1-0 lead. However, the U.S. responded with relentless pressure, ultimately forcing the game into overtime. Canadian goalie Ann-Renée Desbiens made 31 saves in a valiant effort, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the U.S. from claiming victory.

Frankel Shines in Net

U.S. goaltender Aerin Frankel was a standout performer throughout the tournament, finishing with four wins, a remarkable 0.39 goals-against average, a .979 save percentage, and three shutouts in five games. Her consistent performance was crucial to the team’s success. “She’s unbelievable; she’s been lights out for us all year,” Knight said of Frankel. “She’s an incredible talent and I’m so glad the world gets to see it.”

A Legacy Cemented

The victory marks a significant moment for U.S. women’s ice hockey, solidifying their position as a dominant force in the sport. Caroline Harvey was named the tournament’s most valuable player and best defender, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the team’s success. The United States and Canada continue to define women’s Olympic ice hockey, having won every gold medal since the sport’s introduction in 1998.

For more information on the 2026 Winter Olympics, visit the official Olympic website.