Megan Keller’s overtime backhand lifts U.S. women to Olympic hockey gold

milan — megan keller scored the game‑winner 4: 07 into sudden‑death overtime as the United States beat Canada 2-1 to win the gold medal at the Milan Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 19, 2026.

Megan Keller delivers overtime backhand

Keller finished the play with a backhander 4: 07 into overtime that sealed the 2-1 victory over Canada. After the goal, Keller celebrated with a flag alongside Cayla Barnes, a moment captured on the ice at Milano Santagiulia.

Hilary Knight forced overtime with a late equalizer

Hilary Knight tied the game with 2: 04 remaining in regulation, redirecting a shot to force sudden‑death overtime and extend the final. That goal was Knight’s 15th Olympic goal and gave her 33 career Olympic points, both U. S. records, and she framed the late rally as proof of the group’s preparation: "This team’s got so much resolve. Never quit. Always ready to fight and go to battle. "

Team sings anthem arm in arm after dramatic win

After the medal ceremony, the gold medalists stood arm in arm and sang the national anthem with American fans in the arena. Team captain Hilary Knight, mic’d during the moment, called the scene "The best f---ing part. " Forward Taylor Heise described hearing the anthem on the podium as "huge, " saying that getting to hear the national anthem one time, if you win, was unforgettable.

The U. S. victory came in a tight, tense final that left Canada and its fans proud despite the loss; the game remained 1-1 through nearly the entire match until Knight’s late equalizer and Keller’s overtime winner. With the women’s tournament decided, attention turns to the men’s side: Team USA faces Slovakia in the Olympic semifinals on Friday.