Jack Hughes Leads U.S. To First Olympic Hockey Gold Since 1980

Milan, Italy – Jack Hughes etched his name into U.S. Hockey history, scoring the overtime winner to secure the United States its first Olympic gold medal in men’s hockey since the “Miracle on Ice” in 1980. The dramatic 2-1 victory over Canada on Sunday, February 22, 2026, came exactly 46 years after the famed 1980 team’s improbable run to gold NBC News.

A Sudden-Death Stunner

Hughes, displaying resilience after taking a high-sticking penalty late in regulation, capitalized on a feed from Zach Werenski 1:41 into the 3-on-3 overtime period. He deftly fired the puck between the legs of Canadian goaltender Jordan Binnington, igniting a jubilant celebration at Santagiulia Arena NBC News.

“This is all about our country right now. I love the USA,” Hughes told NBC after the game. “I love my teammates.”

Third Olympic Gold for U.S. Men’s Hockey

This victory marks only the third time the U.S. Men’s hockey team has claimed Olympic gold, joining the teams of 1960 and 1980 NBC News. The U.S. Had previously fallen to Canada in the gold medal game in both 2002, and 2010.

A Moment of Remembrance

Amidst the celebration, Team USA players honored the memory of Johnny Gaudreau, who tragically died in a car accident in August 2024. Werenski and Matthew Tkachuk carried Gaudreau’s No. 13 jersey around the ice in a poignant tribute MassLive.

U.S. Dominance at the Milan-Cortina Games

The United States’ gold medal win was the 12th of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. The U.S. Women’s hockey team as well secured gold, defeating Canada 2-1 in overtime. Norway led the medal count with 18 golds and 41 total medals NBC News.

Other Highlights from the Games

• Eileen Gu: Defended her Olympic halfpipe title, adding to her impressive medal collection with six Olympic medals in freestyle skiing NBC News.
• Ebba Andersson: Won the 50-kilometer mass start cross-country ski race for Sweden, redeeming a previous setback in the team relay NBC News.
• Swedish Women’s Curling Team: Secured a gold medal, adding to Sweden’s success at the games NBC News.
• Jessie Diggins: Concluded her Olympic career with a fifth-place finish in the 50-kilometer mass start cross-country ski race NBC News.
• Johannes Lochner: Retired after winning gold in both the two-man and four-man bobsled events NBC News.

France to Host the 2030 Winter Olympics

The Milan-Cortina Olympics concluded on Sunday with a closing ceremony at the former Verona Arena. The Olympic flag was passed to France, which will host the 2030 Winter Games, with events spread across the Alps and Nice on the Mediterranean Sea NBC News.