USA Defeats Canada 2-1 in OT to Win Women's Ice Hockey Gold Medal – 2026 Winter Olympics Highlights

Team USA defeated rival Canada 2-1 in overtime to claim the women's ice hockey gold medal at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.

Game Summary

The United States rallied from a 1-0 deficit to secure a thrilling victory. Canada took the lead with a shorthanded goal by Kristin O'Neill early in the second period. The U.S. pulled their goalie late in the third and tied it at 1-1 with just 2:04 remaining, forcing overtime. In the 3-on-3 OT, Megan Keller scored the golden goal just over four minutes in (around 4:07), sealing the 2-1 win.

Key Heroes

Hilary Knight (U.S. captain, in her final Olympics): Scored the game-tying goal late in the third period—a redirection off a shot from Laila Edwards. This goal set new U.S. Olympic records for career goals (15) and points (33) in women's hockey.

Megan Keller (alternate captain and defenseman): Delivered the overtime winner with a slick backhand chip after deking past defenders. She also assisted on Knight's tying goal in some accounts.

Goaltender Aerin Frankel was solid throughout, helping keep the U.S. perfect in the tournament.

Historical Significance

This is the third Olympic gold medal for the U.S. women's hockey team:

1998 (Nagano) — Defeated Canada

2018 (PyeongChang) — Defeated Canada in a shootout

2026 (Milano Cortina) — Defeated Canada in OT

It ends Canada's run after their 2022 gold and marks another classic chapter in one of sport's greatest rivalries (seventh Olympic gold-medal matchup between the two).

Tournament Performance

Team USA went a perfect 7-0, outscoring opponents 33-2 overall and never trailing until the final game.

Full List of U.S. Women's Hockey Scores at 2026 Winter Olympics:

Group A: United States 5, Czechia 1

Group A: United States 5, Finland 0

Group A: United States 5, Switzerland 0

Group A: United States 5, Canada 0

Quarterfinals: United States 6, Italy 0

Semifinals: United States 5, Sweden 0

Gold Medal Game: United States 2, Canada 1 (OT)

What a way to cap off an undefeated run and add another golden moment to U.S. hockey history!