Team USA captured Olympic gold in women’s hockey with a dramatic 2–1 overtime victory over Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina.
Defenseman Megan Keller scored the game-winning goal 4:07 into sudden-death overtime, lifting the United States to its third Olympic gold medal in women’s hockey and delivering another unforgettable chapter in the sport’s fiercest rivalry.
The game had all the tension expected from a USA-Canada final. Canada struck first on a short-handed goal by Kristin O’Neill, putting pressure on the Americans late in regulation. With under two minutes remaining, Hilary Knight delivered once again, deflecting a shot past the Canadian goaltender to tie the game and force overtime.
Knight’s goal not only saved the United States, it further cemented her place in history. She became the all-time leading U.S. Olympic scorer, adding to an already legendary career.
In overtime, played 3-on-3, Keller found open ice and finished the play cleanly, sending the American bench into celebration. The goal secured the United States’ first Olympic gold since 2018 and reaffirmed its place at the top of the international game.
The USA-Canada rivalry has defined women’s Olympic hockey for decades, with multiple gold medal games decided by the slimmest of margins. This latest installment delivered the same drama, skill, and intensity that have made the matchup one of the premier events of the Winter Games.
For Team USA, the win represents both a championship and a statement. In a tournament filled with pressure, they delivered when it mattered most.