USA roar back from brink to beat Canada in overtime and claim Olympic women’s ice hockey gold

Guardian Sport

by Tom Dart

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The USA women's ice hockey team staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Canada in overtime and secure their second Olympic gold medal. Trailing 1-0 late into the game, the Americans relied on a crucial goal from captain Megan Keller in sudden death to claim victory in Milan. This thrilling win not only showcased the team's resilience but also added to an already emotional week for Hilary Knight, who announced her engagement to speed skater Brittany Bowe just days before the medal-winning moment. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Canada initially dominating play and holding a 1-0 lead through much of regulation. The USA struggled to generate scoring chances, contrasting sharply with their dominant 5-0 victory over Canada in the group stage only nine days prior. Despite being out-fought for stretches, the Americans remained determined, tying the game in the final minutes of regulation thanks to a late goal from Alex Carpenter. The overtime period was tense, with both teams creating chances but struggling to break the deadlock until Keller stepped up. Known for her clutch performances throughout her career, including a game-winning goal at the 2018 Olympics, Keller delivered once again, finishing a perfectly executed play to send her team to gold. The win capped a remarkable journey for the USA squad, who had faced质疑 about their ability to repeat as champions after losing in Sochi 2014. For sports fans, this match exemplified the unpredictability and excitement of Olympic competition. The intense rivalry between the two hockey powers added to the drama, making it one of the most memorable moments of the Beijing Games. The victory also highlighted the growing parity in women's ice hockey, where teams like the USA and Canada continue to push each other to new heights on the global stage.

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/19/2026