February 22 (UPI) — Jack Hughes fought tooth and nail in the third period but got his revenge with a dramatic buzzer-beater in overtime to lead the United States past Canada and its first men’s ice hockey Olympic gold medal in 46 years on Sunday in Milan, Italy.
“It’s all about our country right now,” Hughes said on the NBC broadcast. “I love America. I love my teammates. It’s unbelievable. The American hockey brotherhood is so strong. We have so much support among our players. I’m proud to be an American today.”
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The New Jersey Devils forward scored the gold-medal goal at 1:41 of the 3-on-3 bonus period in the 2-1 victory over Canadian netminder Jordan Binnington at the Santa Giulia Hockey Arena in Milan.
This score sealed the 2026 Winter Olympics championship, exactly 46 years after Team USA won the Miracle on Ice at the 1980 Winter Olympics.
This also makes it the first time the United States has swept men’s and women’s hockey gold medals at the same Olympics.
Team USA forward Matt Boldy celebrates after scoring against Canada in the first phase of the gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Sunday in Milan, Italy. Photo by Richard Ellis/United Press International
U.S. goalie Connor Helleback (center) defends his goal against Canada’s Brad Marchand (right) and Bo Horvat during the second period of the men’s hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Sunday in Milan, Italy. Photo by Richard Ellis/United Press International
In this rivalry, tooth-crushing physicality is matched by scintillating speed, and a world-class lineup thwarts a vicious attack.
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Canada, playing its second straight game without captain Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby injured, defeated the United States 41-26. Team USA goalie Connor Helleback made a total of 41 saves.
U.S. forward Matt Boldy (12) scores against Canada’s Jordan Binnington during the first period of the 2026 Winter Olympics gold medal game on Sunday in Milan, Italy. Photo by Richard Ellis/United Press International
“He’s our best player,” Hughes said of Helleback. “Incredible game.”
Binnington finished with 26 tackles but fumbled on his first save opportunity six minutes into the final. Minnesota Wild forward Matt Boldy provided the initial lighting.
U.S. defenseman Jake Sanderson, left, and Canadian defenseman Cal Makar compete for the gold medal in ice hockey during the second period of the men’s hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy on Thursday. Photo by Richard Ellis/United Press International
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews found Boldy behind the U.S. blue line to start the breakout. Boldy turned the puck over with his blade and weaved through Canadian traffic. He then faced Binnington and slid the puck past the St. Louis Blues goaltender’s right kneepad.
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Canada continued to dagger heavily at Hellebuyck inside the U.S. net, making seven of its next eight shot attempts. But Canada was unable to beat the Winnipeg Jets goaltender until Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar tied the game with 1:44 left in the second period.
Fans support Team USA ahead of the men’s hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy on Sunday. Photo by Richard Ellis/United Press International
The Crimson Sweaters swarmed the game late in the game, increasing their physicality, including a high stick from Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett that caught Hughes in the teeth, but couldn’t find an opening against the U.S. goalkeeper, leading to overtime.
Helleback began to use all his strength to stop the attack led by Canada’s Connor McDavid until Hughes defeated Binnington to end the final.
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski receives the puck behind the U.S. net early in the final period. He passed the puck to Hughes, who shot the puck away from Canada.
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When Hughes skated out to his left, Werenski regained possession along the right boards. Werenski then found him again in the left circle.
Hughes pulled his stick back and unloaded, delivering a screamer to Binnington to give the U.S. its third men’s hockey Olympic gold medal.
“The game our team played was unreal,” Hughes said. “It was a brave, gutsy win. That’s American hockey. That’s a great Canadian team, but we’re the United States. We’re proud to be Americans. It was all about our country tonight.”
Hughes made four appearances in Milan’s six games and was the United States’ top scorer. His brother, Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes, had an assist in the win, pushing his assist total to a team-leading seven.
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Hellebuyck’s 95.65% save percentage is the best among Olympic goalkeepers.
McDavid (Edmonton Oilers) finished the 2026 Winter Olympics with 11 assists and two goals, 13 points, and 11 assists.