SPORTSDISTINCTION  04.26

USA Ice Hockey Reigns Supremely at 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics

Both the USA Women’s Hockey and the USA Men’s Hockey teams reigned supremely at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

The USA’s Women’s Hockey team won gold for the first time since 2018 when they beat the Canadians 2-1 in a thrilling gold medal final game. Megan Keller scored the winning goal in overtime to lead Team USA to a 2-1 victory. Keller’s decisive goal came four minutes into the sudden-death overtime period, following a 1-1 tie in regulation that was forced by a late third-period goal from teammate Hilary Knight.

The USA Men’s Hockey team won gold for the first time since 1980, so this was a huge comeback after a long drought. Jack Hughes scored the winning “golden goal” for the team. He netted the decisive goal 1:41 into overtime to defeat Canada 2-1.

USA Hockey’s victories struck viewership records too as fans got behind their stellar performances. Congratulations to both teams. You made our country proud.