USA win men’s Olympic ice hockey gold for first time in 46 years

The United States won the men’s Olympic ice hockey gold medal for the first time in 46 years by beating neighbours Canada 2-1 in a sensational conclusion to the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The final gold medal of the Games was sealed by Jack Hughes in overtime after the USA withstood pressure from the dominant Canadians throughout most of the match, goalkeeper Connor Hellebuyck having the game of his life.

It is the first time since the ‘Miracle on Ice’ at Lake Placid in 1980 that the USA’s men have won Olympic gold.

And it is the first time the Americans have won the competition outside of their home country.

After a tight start, USA broke through in brilliant style through some individual magic by Matt Boldy.

Boldy picked up the puck inside his own half, chipped it over two defenders and outmuscled them to collect it before nudging it around a stranded Jordan Binnington.

Canada, as they had in the previous two knockout rounds, needed to come from behind but struggled to build momentum until towards the end of the second period.

The USA defended manfully, including a period when they were three against five with two in the penalty box.

But in the 38th minute, a quick switch from Devon Toews found Cale Makar wide open on the right and he drove the puck past Hellebuyck.

Canada continued to dominate in the third period, and in regular time had 41 shots to USA’s 26.

But they seemed to find every possible way not to score. Hellebuyck kept out Mitch Marner from close range with a stunning piece of goalkeeping, before Nathan MacKinnon somehow swept wide of an open goal at the back post.

It meant three-on-three overtime for the first time in Olympic history. In the gold medal match, both teams field three players plus a goalkeeper in overtime, and play until a goal is scored with no shootout.

And after both sides had chances, 101 seconds into overtime Hughes buried his shot to write his name into American sporting folklore.

This was the second ice hockey final between USA and Canada at Milan-Cortina 2026, after the American women triumphed in their gold medal match – also 2-1 in overtime. Now, the men have completed a remarkable double triumph.

This men’s game had an extra edge, thanks in part to the presence of NHL players at the Olympics for the first time since 2014.

There was also the political angle. When these sides met in February 2025, it came in the shadow of USA president Donald Trump threatening tariffs on Canada and referring to their northern neighbours as the 51st state.

Trump was not present in Milan, and neither was Canadian prime minister Mark Carney who was pictured watching the final in Quebec.

In last year’s match, there were three fights in the first nine seconds. While the players kept their cool here with much more on the line, there was still plenty of heat from the crowd.

The supporters at Santagiulia were partisan in favour of the Canadians, with the USA team roundly booed before face-off.

However Canada were given a major blow pre-match with the absence of talismanic captain Sidney Crosby.

The 38-year-old, a veteran of the Olympic triumphs in 2010 and 2014, was forced off in their last-eight win over Czech Republic with a knee injury. Crosby missed the Finland semi-final and Canada’s coaches hoped to have him available today – but he was not in the squad.

And his leadership was missed as Canada dominated large parts of the game but lacked coolness under pressure to convert their myriad of chances.

The USA instead claimed their country’s 12th gold of these Games, finishing second in the medal table. Canada end a disappointing 11th.