Winter Olympics 2026: Unites States beat Canada to win women’s ice hockey gold
Megan Keller scored in overtime to clinch Winter Olympics gold for the United States in a dramatic 2-1 victory over arch-rivals Canada.
This is a third Olympic title for the American women’s team and the first since the 2018 Games in Pyeongchang.
Kristin O’Neill gave the Canadians the lead in the second period at the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, ending the United States’ streak of 352 minutes without conceding a goal since their opening victory against the Czech Republic.
With just over two minutes on the clock, U.S. captain Hilary Knight scored her 15th career Olympic goal in her final appearance to force sudden-death overtime – the third time the women’s Olympic final has required it in four Games.
Four minutes into the three-on-three period, Keller expertly knocked her opponent out of position before firing a shot at Canadian goalie Ann-Renée Desbiens, sparking wild celebrations as her teammates poured onto the ice.
“I’m at a loss for words. It’s an incredible feeling. I love these girls so much,” Keller said.
“This group deserves it. The effort and faith we have kept throughout this four-year journey is something very special.”
With the exception of the 2006 Turin Games, when Canada beat Sweden, the two North American nations have played in every Olympic final since women’s ice hockey was added to the program in 1998.
Canada is a five-time champion, but suffered a crushing 5-0 defeat to the Americans in the group stage, its worst defeat at the Olympics in 28 years.
The United States, meanwhile, have been in imperious form from the start, with O’Neill’s goal being only the second they have conceded in the entire Games.
Earlier on Thursday, Switzerland beat Sweden 2-1 to win the bronze medal.
The men’s ice hockey final will take place on Sunday, with Canada facing Finland and the United States taking on Slovakia in the semi-final on Friday.
