Team USA takes gold for first time since 1980 'Miracle'

Credit: USA Hockey

by Max Lamy and Cayden DeJesus '26

This past weekend in Milan, Team USA won the gold medal with a 2-1 victory over Canada. Team USA center Jack Hughes scored a thrilling overtime goal to win the team its first gold medal since the 1980 "Miracle on Ice".


U.S. goaltender Connor Hellebuyck saved 41 of 42 shots en route to the team's third gold medal. Throughout the second and third periods, Canada spent most of the time in the USA zone, applying constant pressure to Hellebuyck. Hellebuyck was all over the crease on Sunday, with his best save being a ridiculous behind-the-back stick save denying defenseman Devon Toews a goal and keeping the game tied 1-1.


Team USA did not bring its best game on Sunday, and it was obvious the players were playing scared. On the ice throughout the second and third periods, Canada dominated the zone time; it felt as if Canada were on a constant power play. Without Hellebuyck in net, the conversation about the game would be very different.


Even though Team Canada dominated in the second and third periods, the team failed to score on multiple chances, including a 90-second 5-on-3, multiple power plays, Nathan MacKinnon’s wide-open net, and Connor McDavid going 1-on-3 in overtime twice.


U.S. men's hockey winning gold is a first for many, but a familiar feeling for others. Generations of kids grew up watching and trying to recreate Mike Eruzione's game-winning goal against the Soviet Union in 1980. Now in 2026, Hughes has inspired this generation of kids and generations to come.


When asked what this win meant to the team, Hughes said, "This is all about our country right now. I love the USA, I love my teammates… the USA hockey brotherhood is so strong. I'm so proud to be American".


When asked about Hellebuyck's performance, Hughes said, “He was our best player tonight by a mile”.

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