US beats Canada in OT to take home first hockey gold since 1980

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.”

Team USA Hockey. — Canada’s Cale Makar, not seen, scores his side’s opening goal during a men’s ice hockey gold medal game between Canada and the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (Bruce Bennett/Pool Photo via AP)

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.

Proud to be an American. 🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/t6LzvTPNU5
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 22, 2026

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.

USA! USA! USA! #USAHockey
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) February 22, 2026

“It’s official, USA is THE hockey country! #USAHockey,” Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose said on X.

It’s official, USA is THE hockey country! #USAHockey pic.twitter.com/PoEaZyUJLc
— Frank LaRose (@FrankLaRose) February 22, 2026

“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!”

Incredible. Team USA beats Canada AGAIN to win the gold medal in hockey.

US has now won both men and women’s gold.

This is like Canada beating us at football. Total embarrassment for @MarkJCarney. Incredible goal to win it all by #USAHockey!

Final score: 2-1 pic.twitter.com/PxVRwqGzDx
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) February 22, 2026

“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.

U-S-A! Amazing wins over Canada, historic medals in men’s & women’s hockey. Incredible just now. 🏅🏅
— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) February 22, 2026

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.

Congratulations on a hard-fought and well-earned silver, @TeamCanada.

You made your country proud 🇨🇦
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) February 22, 2026

“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.”

Team Canada gave it everything, showed true grit to the final buzzer, and made all Canadians proud with their effort and heart.

Keep your heads held high 🇨🇦
— Pierre Poilievre (@PierrePoilievre) February 22, 2026

“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.”

Congratulations to Team Canada on one of the most hard-fought games of hockey we’ve ever seen.

While the result wasn’t what we hoped for, you inspired a generation of young Canadians and made our country proud.
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) February 22, 2026

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.