Team USA Defeats Canada in Overtime Thriller for Women’s Hockey Gold

The United States women's hockey team captured Olympic gold Thursday night, defeating Canada 2-1 in overtime at the Milano Cortina Olympics. Megan Keller scored the game-winning goal in sudden death after captain Hilary Knight tied the match late in regulation.

In a dramatic finish at the Milano Cortina Olympics Thursday, the United States women’s hockey team secured Olympic gold by defeating Canada 2-1 in overtime, with Megan Keller delivering the championship-clinching goal that ended Canada’s reign as defending champions.

The Americans appeared destined for another heartbreaking loss to their longtime rivals while trailing in the final period, but team captain Hilary Knight managed to even the score and force the championship match into sudden-death overtime. In the three-on-three extra period, Keller maneuvered past Canadian defender Claire Thompson and guided the puck beyond the goaltender to secure the United States’ third Olympic gold medal in women’s hockey.

The championship contest at Santagiulia Arena delivered another memorable moment in hockey’s most intense rivalry, with capacity crowds alternating between “Canada!” and “USA!” chants throughout the evening.

Despite entering as favorites following their dominant 5-0 victory over Canada during group play – marking Canada’s first Olympic shutout loss – the Americans faced early resistance from Canadian goaltender Ann-Renee Desbiens, who delivered an outstanding first-period performance.

The United States received an early second-period power-play opportunity but failed to capitalize. Instead, Canada struck first when Laura Stacey intercepted the puck at center ice, advanced toward goal, and passed to Kristin O’Neill, who executed a skillful backhand shot for the shorthanded score.

Facing their first tournament deficit, the Americans struggled to solve Desbiens until pulling their goaltender for an additional attacker with approximately two minutes remaining in regulation. Knight managed to deflect a shot from Olympic newcomer Laila Edwards into the net for the equalizer, simultaneously establishing a new U.S. women’s Olympic goal-scoring record.

This marked the third occasion in four Olympics that these teams required overtime to determine the championship winner. The arena fell silent before Keller ended the suspense just over four minutes into the extra session.

As head coach John Wroblewski shed emotional tears on the sideline, the American squad celebrated wildly while disappointed Canadian players watched solemnly before the medal presentation, with spectators dancing to Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the USA.”

The victory extended Canada’s losing streak against the Americans to seven consecutive games. The United States has now appeared in seven of eight possible Olympic championship matches. Earlier Thursday, Switzerland claimed bronze with a 2-1 overtime victory over Sweden.