The 2026 Olympics were held in Milan and Cortina Italy, from February 6-22. The Men’s and Women’s ice hockey is one of the more exciting sports to watch at the Olympics with their skill and team work both of these teams could go far. The United States entered strong teams in both the men’s and women’s tournaments.
What Makes These Teams Special
Both the men’s and women’s teams were filled with talented hockey players who came from college programs, professional leagues, and international competitions. For the men, this Olympics marked a chance to chase their first gold since the famous “Miracle on Ice” in 1980. For the women, it was about continuing their success in the Olympics and battling Canada for hockey dominance.
Fans around the world were watching as the U.S. teams skated into Italy hoping for a strong performance, memorable moments, and possibly gold medals.
Women’s Golden Game
On Thursday February 19 the women’s USA hockey team took on Canada for gold. The US put on a great game with a thrilling comeback against Canada securing the win 2-1 in overtime. The US was trailing late in the 3rd period down 1-0, U.S. captain Hilary Knight scored the game tying goal with 2 minutes and 5 seconds left to send the game to a sudden-death overtime. In overtime Megan Keller delivered the game winning goal to clinch Team USA’s third Olympic gold in women’s hockey. The tremendous victory added another chapter to the classic Canada-USA rivalry and capped an undefeated record run for the Americans.
Men’s Golden Game
On Sunday February 22 the men’s USA hockey team took on Canada for the Olympic gold medal. Team USA showed great teamwork and determination throughout the tournament. The U.S. started off strong with forward Matt Boldy from the Minnesota Wild scoring the first goal of the game to put the United States up 1-0. At the beginning of the 2nd period forward Cale Makar from the Colorado Avalanche scored the game tying goal. Canada dominated the 3rd period and was looking promising for Canada, USA’s goalie Connor Hellebuyck kept them in the game with 41 saves, sending the game into a sudden-death overtime. In overtime Jack Hughes from the New Jersey Devils delivered the game winning goal to win it 2-1 and clinch the USA’s third Olympic gold in 46 years since the iconic “Miracle on Ice” in 1980. The victory brought Americans together, Jack Hughes and his teammates are “So Proud to Be American.”
In Honor of Johnny Gaudreau
Johnny Gaudreau also known to many as “Johnny Hockey” had a big influence on the men’s USA team, even though he wasn’t able to play he was there keeping the team going in spirit. Johnny and his brother Mathew tragically died after being struck by an alleged drunk driver in an accident when they were riding bikes at night in New Jersey on August 19 2024. Before the Olympics, the team reserved a locker stall for him and placed his No. 13 jersey in it. They talked about what Johnny did for the game of hockey and how much he meant to them as a teammate and friend, using his spirit to motivate them throughout the tournament. Zach Werenski, defensemen on the USA team and Johnny’s teammate on the Columbus Blue Jackets, was his best friend. Players said his skill, dedication, and love for the game inspired them. After winning the gold medal, the team honored Johnny by carrying his jersey onto the ice and invited his two children Noa and Johnny Jr. to take a photo with the team and their dad’s jersey, showing that he mattered to team USA and the program.