In Milan, Italy, the U.S. men’s national ice hockey team defeated Canada 2-1 in dramatic overtime to win the men’s ice hockey gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Feb. 22. The victory ended a 46-year Olympic gold medal drought for U.S. men’s hockey, the first gold since the 1980 Winter Games.

Matt Boldy gave the U.S. an early lead with a goal six minutes into the first period, assisted by Auston Matthews and Quinn Hughes. Canada tied the game late in the second period with a goal by Cale Makar, assisted by Devon Toews.

The game-winning goal came just 1:41 into overtime when Jack Hughes scored to secure the 2-1 victory. Jack Hughes’ goal was assisted by Zach Werenski.

In a postgame interview on the ice, Jack Hughes expressed intense patriotism.

“This is all about our country right now,” Jack Hughes said. “I love the U.S.A. I love my teammates. It’s unbelievable.”

He also reflected on his teammates’ support and the unity of the squad.

“We’re such a team,” Jack Hughes said. “The USA Hockey brotherhood is so strong, and we’re so proud to win for our country.”

During the postgame celebration, Team USA honored Johnny Gaudreau, an NHL player for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and his brother Matthew Gaudreau, who were killed in 2024 when they were struck by a suspected drunken driver while cycling. Johnny Gaudreau was expected to be a candidate for Team USA in the 2026 Olympics.

U.S. players Werenski and Dylan Larkin went into the stands to bring Johnny Gaudreau’s daughter, Noa, and son, Johnny Jr., onto the ice along with Johnny Gaudreau’s No. 13 Team USA jersey for the team’s gold medal photo as a tribute.

This win secured the U.S.’ first Olympic men’s hockey gold medal since 1980, officially ending a 46-year drought and marking the team’s return to the top of the Olympic podium after decades of near finishes and rebuilding efforts.