The United States secured a second miracle on ice on Sunday when Team USA beat Canada in the men’s hockey gold medal final 2-1.
The game ended after Jack Hughes scored a goal 1:41 minutes into overtime, netting the team its first gold medal since 1980 and just its third gold medal overall.
“Unbelievable game, unreal game by our team,” Hughes said following the game. “Ballsy, gutsy win. That’s American hockey right there. That’s a great Canadian team, but we’re USA. We’re so proud to be Americans.”
The two teams entered a tie at one goal each when Canadian defenseman Cale Makar scored a point with 1:44 minutes left in the game’s second period. The White House also shared footage of Hughes post-game interview, in which the athlete said the team’s victory is “all about our country.
“I love the USA, I love my teammates, it’s unbelievable. The USA hockey brotherhood, it’s so strong, and we had so much support from ex-players. I’m so proud to be American today, so proud!” Hughes said.
President Donald Trump and others online celebrated Team USA’s victory, with the president saying “WHAT A GAME” on Truth Social.
“Congratulations to our great U.S.A. Ice Hockey team. THEY WON THE GOLD. WOW!” Trump said on Truth Social.
“USA! USA! USA! #USAHockey,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on X.
“It’s official, USA is THE hockey country! #USAHockey,” Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose said on X.
“This is like Canada beating us at football,” conservative influencer Robby Starbuck said on X. “Total embarrassment for @MarkJCarney. Incredible goal to win it all by #USAHockey!”
“U-S-A! Amazing wins over Canada, historic medals in men’s & women’s hockey. Incredible just now,” Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy said on X.
Meanwhile, Canadian officials congratulated their team for winning the silver medal.
“Congratulations on a hard-fought and well-earned silver, @TeamCanada. You made your country proud,” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on X.
“Team Canada gave it everything, showed true grit to the final buzzer, and made all Canadians proud with their effort and heart,” Canadian Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre said on X. “Keep your heads held high.”
“Congratulations to Team Canada on one of the most hard-fought games of hockey we’ve ever seen,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford said on X. “While the result wasn’t what we hoped for, you inspired a generation of young Canadians and made our country proud.”
AMERICAN PATRIOTISM SHINES ON THE OLYMPIC STAGE
Team USA’s victory in men’s hockey comes on the final day of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.
The United States is leaving the 2026 Olympics with the second-most medals, trailing Norway’s 41 medals with 33. The U.S. is also second to Norway with gold medals, with the former country taking home 12 from this year’s games and the latter 18.
