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.