Milan
—
Outside the arena here, it felt like all of Canada had arrived, not so much for a hockey game but for a statement.
This, this sport played on ice, belongs to us. You Americans may keep your football; we get hockey.
And so, they sipped their beer, using cans and sippy cups and bottles, and chugged their Canadian whiskey and wore their red and took over Milan, spilling into seats with their maple leaf flags hanging and lofted into the air.
Amid simmering tensions between the United States and its usually cordial neighbors to the north, a hockey game had taken on all sorts of subtext and meaning. But at its core, it was about hockey. About ownership of a sport that has sent the Stanley Cup on a tour of the US, in Florida and Las Vegas of all places, not resting at home in Canada since 1993. About rosters equalized by NHL players finally delivering true bragging rights and settling a score.
Except the US had its share of emotion in this one, too. Subtler, perhaps, but even more meaningful.
Since they arrived in Italy, the Americans have hung a jersey in their locker room. It belongs to Johnny Gaudreau, who would have been proudly wearing it had he not been tragically killed in a New Jersey biking accident in 2024. Gaudreau’s parents, Guy and Jay, his wife, Meredith and his oldest kids, including John Jr., who just turned two, came to Milan to represent Johnny and to support the teammates he loved so much. The team, in turn, made sure the Gaudreau family was part of their Olympic experience
Blood, indeed, is thicker than water. In a taut game that did the rarest of all things – actually delivered on the hype – Team USA claimed its first gold medal since the Miracle kids of 1980, winning two minutes into three-on-three overtime.
Zach Werenski stripped Nathan McKinnon – who had missed a gloriously open net with 10 minutes left in the game that could have put Canada ahead – near the right face-off circle. He then zipped a pass to Jack Hughes, who lost a tooth courtesy of a third-period high stick from Sam Bennett. Hughes crossed Jordan Binnington to his right and then slipped the puck through the five-hole and into history.
As he celebrated, Hughes flashed his gap-toothed smile that now can have a golden replacement.
The US version of the Golden Goal sent the Americans into delirious bedlam, crashing and collapsing into each other on the boards directly in front of the section, it turned out, that included the Gaudreau family.
Minutes later, Brady Tkachuk and Werenski brought Gaudreau’s jersey out on the ice and skated around with it. Werenski and Dylan Larkin fetched Johnny’s kids and brought them to the ice to make the family picture complete. When it was time for the national anthem, the players wrapped their arms around each other’s shoulders, but also kept Gaudreau’s jersey aloft.
“We talked about playing for him, making him proud,’’ Werenski said. “We did that, and so it was super special to see them all on the ice. It was a huge party. There’s really no words for it.’’
performs as Madama Butterfly during a “moment of remembrance” segment.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”4152″ width=”6228″ loading=’lazy’/>
celebrates with Johnny Gaudreau’s children and a jersey in his honor after defeating Canada in the gold-medal game on February 22. Gaudreau, an American star, was tragically killed in a biking accident in 2024.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2667″ width=”4000″ loading=’lazy’/>
the game-winning goal.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”3026″ width=”4686″ loading=’lazy’/>
defending her freeski halfpipe title on February 22.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”3945″ width=”5917″ loading=’lazy’/>
most decorated Winter Olympian ever.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1560″ width=”2286″ loading=’lazy’/>
took the silver medal in the event.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1332″ width=”2000″ loading=’lazy’/>
winning the freeski halfpipe on February 20.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1421″ width=”2131″ loading=’lazy’/>
rallied from a 2-0 deficit to beat Finland 3-2 in the seminfinals.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2418″ width=”3627″ loading=’lazy’/>
winning the women’s speedskating 1500m on February 20. She is the fifth straight winner from the Netherlands to win gold in the event.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2927″ width=”4390″ loading=’lazy’/>
first American to claim gold in the event since 2002.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2977″ width=”4466″ loading=’lazy’/>
winning gold in women’s hockey against Canada on Thursday, February 19. The US won 2-1 i overtime.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1600″ width=”2400″ loading=’lazy’/>
a redemptive routine after a disappointing skate in Tuesday’s short program.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”5504″ width=”8256″ loading=’lazy’/>
2-1 overtime victory over Sweden on February 19.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2135″ width=”3202″ loading=’lazy’/>
He won gold after setting an Olympic record with a time of 1:41.98. US speedskating star Jordan Stolz won silver.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1287″ width=”1931″ loading=’lazy’/>
won gold in the sport’s Olympics debut.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”3485″ width=”5228″ loading=’lazy’/>
winning the women’s slalom, on Wednesday, February 18, ending her eight-year Olympic drought. She won with a time of 1:39.10 — 1.5 seconds faster than second place.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”3034″ width=”4551″ loading=’lazy’/>
the winning goal in the men’s hockey quarterfinal game against Sweden on February 18.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2317″ width=”3476″ loading=’lazy’/>
Czechoslovakian wolfdog named Nazgul runs alongside Tena Hadzic from Croatia in the women’s cross-country team sprint on February 18.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1402″ width=”2103″ loading=’lazy’/>
win gold in the men’s cross-country team sprint on February 18.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2762″ width=”4143″ loading=’lazy’/>
500m short track speed skating on February 18.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”3484″ width=”5226″ loading=’lazy’/>
women’s freeski aerials on February 18.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2822″ width=”4233″ loading=’lazy’/>
Sweden won 5-1, setting up a quarterfinal clash with Team USA.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”5017″ width=”7526″ loading=’lazy’/>
He won gold in the event, which was delayed due to the weather.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2997″ width=”4496″ loading=’lazy’/>
her routine in the short program on February 17. She failed to complete her triple loop, and her score put her in 13th place, all but ending her hopes of a gold medal.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1458″ width=”2067″ loading=’lazy’/>
win gold, his second of these Games.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2092″ width=”3138″ loading=’lazy’/>
They won gold, Japan’s first medal in Olympic pair skating.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1067″ width=”1600″ loading=’lazy’/>
Canada won 2-1 to clinch their spot in the gold medal game against the US.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”4667″ width=”7000″ loading=’lazy’/>
women’s freestyle skiing big air finals on February 16.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2686″ width=”4028″ loading=’lazy’/>
her first gold medal, tying speed skating legend Bonnie Blair as the most decorated female US Winter Olympian ever. Meyers Taylor won three silvers and two bronzes in her four previous Olympics.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1995″ width=”2887″ loading=’lazy’/>
Austria won gold after the final round was canceled because of heavy snowfall.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”4529″ width=”6791″ loading=’lazy’/>
The United States won 5-0.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”3787″ width=”5680″ loading=’lazy’/>
her second gold of the Games.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”4266″ width=”6399″ loading=’lazy’/>
She later won silver in the event.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”3183″ width=”4774″ loading=’lazy’/>
most decorated Winter Olympian ever.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”3621″ width=”5431″ loading=’lazy’/>
despite Olympic tradition to avoid brawls.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”3410″ width=”5115″ loading=’lazy’/>
He made history by securing the first ever medal at a Winter Games for Brazil — and South America.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1332″ width=”2000″ loading=’lazy’/>
A shocking performance that included two falls and some technical gaffes saw him fall all the way to eighth place.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2035″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>
He won gold after setting the bar incredibly high at 95.00 in his second run.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”3383″ width=”5074″ loading=’lazy’/>
throw them on the rink as a sign of appreciation.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”3841″ width=”5762″ loading=’lazy’/>
his third gold medal of these Games.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2534″ width=”3801″ loading=’lazy’/>
He would go on to win the gold.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”3333″ width=”5000″ loading=’lazy’/>
gold-medal win in snowboard cross on February 13.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2170″ width=”3259″ loading=’lazy’/>
finished second this time behind South Korea’s Choi Ga-on.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2074″ width=”3222″ loading=’lazy’/>
Heraskevych was disqualified for “refusing to adhere” to the International Olympic Committee’s athlete expression guidelines since his helmet is adorned with images of Ukrainian athletes killed in Russian attacks. Kirsty Coventry, the president of the International Olympic Committee, met with Heraskevych to try to convince him to adhere to the guidelines, but the Ukrainian stood his ground, resulting in the disqualification.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”5504″ width=”8256″ loading=’lazy’/>
the oldest American to compete in the Winter Games.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”4000″ width=”6000″ loading=’lazy’/>
Hämmerle narrowly won, sliding over the finish line just ahead of Grondin.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1705″ width=”2556″ loading=’lazy’/>
Lollobrigida won the 5,000 meters and collected her second gold of these Olympics. Conijn won silver and Wiklund took the bronze.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2431″ width=”3524″ loading=’lazy’/>
he proposed at the finish line area of the super-G race on February 12.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2748″ width=”4122″ loading=’lazy’/>
winning her second cross-country gold of these Games.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”3760″ width=”5653″ loading=’lazy’/>
setting an Olympic record in the 1,000 meters on Wednesday, February 11. He finished with a time of 1:06.28 and took the gold.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”3293″ width=”4600″ loading=’lazy’/>
took silver with France winning.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2596″ width=”3894″ loading=’lazy’/>
their 4-1 victory over Finland on February 11. It was the opening game of the men’s hockey tournament.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”4269″ width=”6404″ loading=’lazy’/>
She won the event to claim her second gold of these Games.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1124″ width=”1580″ loading=’lazy’/>
competes in halfpipe qualifying on February 11. Kim won halfpipe gold in the last two Olympics.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1263″ width=”1894″ loading=’lazy’/>
Von Allmen won his third gold of these Olympics. He also won gold in the downhill and the team combined event.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”4747″ width=”7120″ loading=’lazy’/>
The Americans finished 1-2 in the moguls, with Lemley winning gold.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”3859″ width=”5682″ loading=’lazy’/>
placed fourth.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1333″ width=”2000″ loading=’lazy’/>
the United States’ largest victory in the longstanding Olympic rivalry with Canada.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1600″ width=”2400″ loading=’lazy’/>
a jaw-dropping performance that included his trademark backflip.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1628″ width=”2400″ loading=’lazy’/>
made history as the first American woman to earn an Olympic medal in curling.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1576″ width=”2400″ loading=’lazy’/>
cross-country sprint classic on February 10.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1334″ width=”2000″ loading=’lazy’/>
were killed in a midair plane crash last winter.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2271″ width=”2956″ loading=’lazy’/>
Swedish sweep of medals in the event.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2679″ width=”3975″ loading=’lazy’/>
winning gold in the big air final on Monday, February 9.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2850″ width=”4276″ loading=’lazy’/>
winning the 1,000 meters with an Olympic record time on February 9. She finished in 1:12.31, breaking the record that her Dutch teammate Femke Kok set just minutes earlier.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2577″ width=”3865″ loading=’lazy’/>
the mixed doubles semifinals.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”3194″ width=”4792″ loading=’lazy’/>
his helmet adorned with images of Ukrainian athletes killed in Russian attacks. He was disqualified days later.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2596″ width=”3895″ loading=’lazy’/>
together they won the gold.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1321″ width=”2000″ loading=’lazy’/>
She won gold in the event for the second straight Olympics.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”3729″ width=”5414″ loading=’lazy’/>
He went on win the event.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2316″ width=”3474″ loading=’lazy’/>
Vonn fractured her left leg in the crash, which came just a little more than a week after she tore the ACL in that same leg.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”990″ width=”1485″ loading=’lazy’/>
winning gold in the women’s downhill on February 8.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”3656″ width=”5484″ loading=’lazy’/>
winning gold together on February 8. From left are Evan Bates, Madison Chock, Danny O’Shea, Ellie Kam, Alysa Liu, Amber Glenn and Ilia Malinin.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1600″ width=”2400″ loading=’lazy’/>
Malinin’s high score at the end of the event secured the gold for Team USA.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”3647″ width=”5131″ loading=’lazy’/>
celebrates with his shirt off after winning the parallel giant slalom on February 8. He said it was a tribute to his hero, skiing legend Hermann Maier. Maier would often celebrate his victories by ripping off his top.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”4316″ width=”6603″ loading=’lazy’/>
France went on to win the gold in the event.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”1681″ width=”2522″ loading=’lazy’/>
the demonstration turned violent as some protesters targeted police and their vans, and officials responded with tear gas and water cannons.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2016″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>
Lollobrigida finished with an Olympic record time of 3:54.28.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>
the 10km + 10km skiathlon on February 7.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2114″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>
See more photos from the opening ceremony.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”3601″ width=”5401″ loading=’lazy’/>
Her medley, in both Italian and English, included the Italian song “Valore” and her song “Nothing Is Impossible.”” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”5099″ width=”7649″ loading=’lazy’/>
The best photos of the 2026 Winter Olympics
Words, in fact, don’t do it justice. This is a game turned better in images – of the joy etched on American fans and the agony writ large on Team Canada. As they politely accepted their silver medals, the players looked more like they were being wreathed in garlic.
That the U.S. won its first gold medal since 1980 on the same day that the Americans upset the Soviet Union is an epic historical sandwich, but the implications of the games are hardly the same.
The 1980 version were a bunch of upstart college kids who no one saw coming; they were made for Disney. This team, comprised of the hockey elite, was not out to make a “Miracle.” It was out to get rid of an albatross.
There is a real rivalry here, and the reason why wise politicians across Canada and in New York rewrote their alcohol sales to welcome people in for an early cold one, and one 81-year-old doctor from Canada told a Dutch journalist that he happily dropped $6,000 for his ticket.
It’s been ratcheted up by politics, with empty threats of claiming Canada as the 51st state and crippling tariffs that have soured relationships between normally hospitable people. That same doctor has stopped visiting Florida because of the current political climate in the US.
US wins gold in men’s hockey final against Canada
Team USA beat Canada 2–1 in a historic overtime win in the Olympic men’s hockey final. It marks the first US gold in men’s hockey since the 1980 “Miracle on Ice.”
Correction: The video has been updated to reflect the correct number of years since the US won gold in men’s hockey.
US wins gold in men’s hockey final against Canada
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But on the ice, there really wasn’t much of a rivalry, at least not in the Olympics. Canada has won 15 of 19 meetings all time between the two in the Olympics, including a 4-1 record in Games that include NHLers. The US won a round robin game in Vancouver in 2010; Canada went on to win the gold on Sidney Crosby’s golden goal.
Despite the equal number of NHL bodies, the Americans still carried their futility into this game. One fan in the stands summed it up succinctly to his buddy, “Time for little brother to get a reminder.’’
In truth, Canada dictated play for much of the game, peppering goalie Connor Hellebuyck with 42 shots. Yet despite being the aggressors from the jump, they couldn’t solve the riddle of Hellebuyck. The Winnipeg Jets goalie has won the Hart and the Vezina Awards but his 1-9 playoff record, which includes a severe dip in his save percentage, has left plenty wondering if he could win the biggest one.
But at 32, he is hardly worried about what people think. So calm was Hellebuyck on the bus ride to the rink, he fell asleep. “Something about that bus, I get a little snoozy,’’ he said.
He did not exactly sleepwalk and instead has now added an Olympic gold medal to his collection. “
I came into this game, the biggest game of my career, and I wasn’t really nervous,’’ he said. “The second I woke up, I felt like I was doing everything right, and every step I took, it was like this felt right.’’
Three-on-three is not the best way to determine a gold medal winner but despite Canada’s offensive onslaught, it felt like it could be America’s advantage.
While Hellebuyck was rejecting shot after shot, Bennington wasn’t nearly as busy. He took just 26, and in the open game of three-on-three overtime, shots come in a flurry. Hellebuyck was ready for it. Bennington was not.
People will now search for deeper meaning from this game, eyeing perhaps the same sort of burst to hockey in the US that the Raptors helped bring to Canada in hoops. It could happen. It would be lovely. It is a conversation for another day.
Some moments are big because, at their heart, they are incredibly small. There will be celebrations and chest bumping across the US, and yes maybe scores of kids will imagine themselves as Jack Hughes just as their grandpas dreamed of being Mike Eruzione.
But when Team USA left the ice, still giddy with victory and rightly proud of what they had accomplished, they thought not just of what they had done but of the man they’d done it for.
“(Johnny) touched everybody that’s on that ice,’’ Brady Tkachuk said. “That’s why we wanted to show the Gaudreau family that he was so near and dear to us, and that, you know, we miss him greatly. But we did this for him. That’s what this was about.’’