Canada and USA Battle for Olympic Hockey Gold in Milan Championship

Canada and the United States will face off Sunday in Milan for Olympic men's hockey gold, marking the first time NHL players have competed in the Games since 2014. Canada seeks their 10th Olympic gold while the US hopes for revenge after losing to Canada 16 years ago.

MILAN – A dream matchup is set for Sunday as Canada and the United States prepare to clash in the men’s Olympic hockey championship game in Milan, delivering exactly the showdown North American hockey fans hoped to witness.

The return of NHL players to Olympic competition after a 12-year absence couldn’t have produced a more perfect finale, with hockey’s two dominant nations bringing their star-studded professional rosters to battle for gold.

Canada enters the championship seeking to cement their hockey dominance with a 10th Olympic gold medal, representing the nation that created the sport and considers it sacred. Meanwhile, the United States aims to settle an old score – Canada crushed their gold medal dreams in overtime 16 years ago, and America hasn’t captured Olympic hockey gold in 46 years.

“NHL players have not had the ability to play in the Olympics since 2014, that’s 12 years. Some of these kids were in diapers then,” Canada coach Jon Cooper said, referring to the Sochi Games. “They’ve never been part of this. There is so much pride. The hockey has been so great and so close. That’s why the Olympics are unique. There is nothing like it in the world.”

Both squads dominated their preliminary groups, making their championship meeting seem inevitable from the start. However, the quarterfinals nearly shattered those expectations when each team survived grueling overtime battles that almost ended their gold medal pursuits. Canada fought back from behind against the Czech Republic, while the United States maintained composure after Sweden tied the game with only 91 seconds remaining in regulation.

The semifinals told different stories for each team on Friday. The Americans demolished Slovakia 6-2 in a dominant performance, while Canada struggled more against defending champion Finland, playing without injured captain Sidney Crosby.

Cooper remained uncertain Friday about whether Crosby, who exited their quarterfinal match with an undisclosed injury, would be available for the final.

Regardless of Crosby’s status, Canada possesses exceptional firepower in 29-year-old superstar Connor McDavid – a future Hall of Famer leading the tournament with two goals and 11 assists through five games. They also feature 19-year-old phenom Macklin Celebrini, who has netted five goals, plus NHL leading scorer Nathan MacKinnon.

“It’s everything. It’s the gold medal at an Olympic Games,” said MacKinnon, a forward for the Colorado Avalanche. “We are very lucky to be here and it’s a great opportunity. We have got to be ready.”

The Americans have no intention of watching their northern neighbors claim more Olympic gold, hoping to mirror their women’s team’s success after defeating Canada for gold in Thursday’s thrilling championship.

Defenseman Quinn Hughes leads all tournament defensemen with one goal and six assists, looking to create a family celebration alongside brother Jack, who has recorded three goals and three assists in five games.

“We believe this is the best group in the whole tournament and the best group in the world,” said Jack Hughes, who scored twice in Friday’s 6-2 Slovakia victory. “We are proud Americans, and we are excited to have a chance at the gold medal.”