The United States women's ice hockey team rallied from a 1-0 deficit to defeat Canada 2-1 in overtime, securing its third Olympic gold medal at the 2026 Milano Cortina Games. Megan Keller scored the game-winner 4:07 into the extra period, while captain Hilary Knight tied the score late in regulation with her record-setting 15th Olympic goal. The victory marked the first U.S. gold since 2018 and highlighted the intense rivalry between the two nations.
In a tense gold medal final at Santagiulia Arena in Milan on February 19, 2026, the United States women's ice hockey team overcame an early deficit to claim a 2-1 overtime victory over Canada, earning its third Olympic title since the sport's debut in 1998.
Canada struck first with a shorthanded goal by Kristin O'Neill at 0:54 of the second period, assisted by Laura Stacey on a 2-on-1 break. The tally ended the U.S. shutout streak at 352:17 and marked the first time the Americans trailed in the tournament. Goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens made 31 saves for Canada, while Aerin Frankel stopped 30 shots for the U.S.
With 2:04 left in the third period and Frankel pulled for an extra attacker, Hilary Knight deflected a shot from Laila Edwards to tie the game at 1-1. The goal was Knight's 15th in Olympic play, breaking the U.S. record previously held by Natalie Darwitz and Katie King, and her 33rd point, surpassing Jenny Potter's mark. Playing in her fifth Olympics, Knight said, "There was no way we were losing this game. That’s all. Simple as that."
In 3-on-3 overtime, Taylor Heise passed to Keller, who skated past defender Claire Thompson and backhanded the puck past Desbiens. Keller, in her third Olympics, noted, "I'm lost for words. This is an incredible feeling. I love these girls so much. This group deserves it."
The U.S. finished 7-0, outscoring opponents 33-2, its first undefeated run since 1998. Canada, earning its third silver, saw coach Troy Ryan praise his team's effort: "They battled right to the end and probably saved our best game for the last game of the year."
Laila Edwards, the first Black woman to represent the U.S. in women's hockey, assisted on the tying goal and became the first Black American woman to win Olympic gold in the sport. Caroline Harvey was named tournament MVP and best defender, tying Keller with nine points.
This marked the seventh Olympic final between the rivals, with the U.S. now leading 5-7 all-time against Canada in Olympics, including 3-4 in gold medal games.
