MILAN, ITALY — The United States men’s hockey team won the Olympic gold medal today, defeating Canada in a 3-on-3 overtime game. Jack Hughes scored the game-winning goal less than 3 minutes into the extra period to secure the victory for the U.S. team.
The win represents the first time the United States has won gold in men’s hockey since the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” team defeated the Soviet Union. It is also the first Olympic medal for the American men’s program since taking silver in 2010. Canada, which last medaled with a bronze in 2018, fell to the Americans after a 41-save performance by U.S. goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.
The scoring began in the first period when Matt Boldy put the United States on the board with a backhand goal. Boldy gained a breakaway after Auston Matthews intercepted a pass and delivered an outlet hit. Boldy moved between Canadian defensemen Devon Toews and Cale Makar to create space for the shot.
Canada increased its offensive pressure in the second period, outshooting the Americans 19-8. Makar tied the game 1-1 late in the period after receiving a pass from Toews on the left side. The goal followed a successful penalty kill by the Americans, who prevented Canada from scoring during a two-man advantage that lasted nearly 2 minutes.
Hellebuyck led the American defense by stopping 41 of the 42 shots he faced. Hellebuyck helped the U.S. force overtime by withstanding constant pressure from Canada’s forward corps. The game remained tied until the overtime period, when Hughes ended the contest with a shot past goaltender Jordan Binnington.
The winning play featured two players from Michigan. Hughes, a Canton native, scored the goal with an assist from Grosse Pointe Woods native Zach Werenski. Other Michigan natives on the roster include Dylan Larkin of Waterford, Quinn Hughes of Canton and Kyle Connor of Shelby Township. Hellebuyck is also a Michigan native from Commerce.
Following the conclusion of the medal ceremonies, the Winter Games will hold a closing ceremony. During the event, Italy is scheduled to hand the Olympic flag to France. The French Alps are set to host the 2030 Winter Games.
The Paralympics are scheduled to begin on March 6 and will run through March 15.