US Defeats Canada for First Olympic Hockey Gold in 46 Years

The US men's ice hockey team defeated Canada to claim the 116th and final gold medal of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.

The US beat Canada 2-1 in overtime in the men's final at Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, Italy, on Feb. 23. The victory marks the US's first Olympic men's ice hockey gold medal since the 1980 Lake Placid Games, 46 years ago. Including the 1960 Squaw Valley Games, the US has now won three Olympic titles in the sport.

Ice hockey draws global attention at the Winter Olympics. This matchup between the US and Canada garnered particular interest as a so-called "tariff derby" amid ongoing political and economic tensions between the two nations. The US celebrated an even greater triumph by defeating Canada in both the men's and women's finals.

The US had not beaten Canada in an Olympic final for 66 years. Prior to this tournament, the US had faced Canada seven times in men's ice hockey finals, winning only at Squaw Valley. Canada, the most decorated nation in Olympic men's ice hockey history with nine titles, had to settle for silver this time.

Matt Boldy gave the US an early lead with a goal six minutes into the game. Canada fought back, with Cale Makar scoring the equalizer with about one minute and 40 seconds remaining in the second period. The teams remained deadlocked through the third period. The game went to overtime, where Jack Hughes scored the golden goal one minute and 41 seconds in to secure the Olympic title.