Jack Hughes, Connor Hellebuyck Lift U.S. to Olympic Hockey Gold in Overtime
jack hughes delivered the golden goal that sent Team USA to men’s Olympic hockey gold, an overtime winner that completed a 2-1 victory over Canada in Milan, Italy on Feb. 22, 2026. The win ended a 46-year Olympic gold drought for U. S. men’s hockey and generated immediate national reaction and on-ice tributes.
Jack Hughes' Golden Goal and Tournament Line
Jack Hughes scored the game-winner early in overtime, getting a shot past Canadian goaltender Jordan Binnington to seal a 2-1 final. The game capped a standout Olympic tournament for Hughes; his tournament totals were listed as 4 goals, 7 points and a +8 rating, and he is now an Olympic gold medalist. Coverage noted that Hughes was sporting cracked teeth during the moment and delivered what commentators called an all-time quote after the goal. Social reaction hailed him as an American legend.
How the Gold-Medal Game Unfolded
Matt Boldy opened scoring for the Americans in the first period, splitting two Canadian defenders and getting his shot past Jordan Binnington. Cale Makar tied the game in the second period. The third period produced no goals, and the contest moved to overtime where Hughes finished the job for Team USA, 2-1.
Connor Hellebuyck's Performance
Connor Hellebuyck was highlighted as one of the defining figures of the Americans’ run. He stopped 40 shots in the gold-medal game and made several dramatic saves that kept the U. S. within striking distance. Observers called one late stop particularly memorable, and Hellebuyck’s overall play was credited as a major factor in the tournament and in the championship game.
Tributes on Ice: Johnny Gaudreau Honored
The U. S. celebrations included a visible tribute to the late Johnny Gaudreau. Team members carried Gaudreau’s jersey onto the ice and then took a lap holding the sweater. Captain Auston Matthews, alternate Matthew Tkachuk and defenseman Zach Werenski—Werenski having played alongside Gaudreau on the Columbus Blue Jackets—were among those who held up the sweater during the lap. The Americans also brought Johnny Gaudreau’s kids onto the ice for the team photo after the win.
National Reaction and Rivalry Context
President Donald Trump reacted on social media, posting: "Congratulations to our great U. S. A. Ice Hockey team. THEY WON THE GOLD. WOW!" He added: "WHAT A GAME!!!" and "LOTS OF WINNING!!!" Commentary noted that Trump’s political prodding of Canada had helped reignite the rivalry between the two nations, a rivalry that began again last year when Team USA and Canada clashed at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Observers recalled that the Americans did not win that earlier tournament, but delivered on the biggest stage this time.
Postgame Remarks from Canada’s Sideline
Team Canada coach Jon Cooper said he would not use the 3-on-3 overtime format as an excuse for losing the gold-medal game, and added that taking four players off the ice made the hockey "not hockey anymore. " The remark captured Canadian frustration with how the game’s final moments were decided.
Context and Broader Notes
This gold medal is the United States’ first in men’s Olympic hockey since the 1980 team, a span of 46 years that ended with the victory over Canada. Coverage and roundups celebrating the result appeared in a "Golden Glory" edition dated 2/23/26. In broader hockey conversation, commentary about Jack Hughes’ NHL club noted that "the Devils have been one of the league’s biggest disappointments — but there are still several positives beneath the surface, " and questions were raised about the New Jersey Devils needing to get younger and more skilled and who they might target to do so.
All factual details above are drawn from the immediate postgame roundups and game recaps tied to the Milan event; some reactions and characterizations captured the intensity of the moment and the significance of the U. S. breakthrough on the Olympic stage.
