Jack Hughes, Connor Hellebuyck lift U.S. to Olympic hockey gold - ESPN

MILAN — For the first time since the 1980 Miracle on Ice, the U.S. won an Olympic gold medal in men's hockey as Jack Hughes scored the golden goal in 3-on-3 overtime for a 2-1 win against rival Canada on Sunday.

American players talked a big game in the months leading up to the tournament, often repeating a mantra of «gold or bust» — and backed that up with a win over their biggest rivals. It was a clean sweep for USA Hockey as the women also defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime for a gold on Thursday.

Hughes' goal, less than two minutes into overtime, was assisted by Zach Werenski, who wrestled the puck away from Canada's Nathan MacKinnon and sent a cross-ice feed to an open Hughes.

«This is all about our country right now,» said Hughes, who was left bloodied and without at least one and maybe two of his front teeth after taking a high stick during in the third period. «I love the USA. I love my teammates. It's unbelievable. The USA Hockey brotherhood is so strong.»

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U.S. goalie Connor Hellebuyck was sensational, stopping 41 shots. It was a personal redemption arc for Hellebuyck, the reigning Vezina and Hart Trophy winner who proved he can show up in the biggest moments. Hellebuyck had a rough 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs for the Winnipeg Jets, getting pulled three times in the first round vs. the St. Louis Blues.

On Sunday, Hellebuyck had several signature moments, the biggest coming in the third period, when he used his paddle to stop Devon Toews from tucking a rebound into a gaping net. He also stuffed Connor McDavid on a breakaway halfway through the second period.

Shortly after, the Americans killed off a 93-second 5-on-3, a pivotal moment in the game. Team USA went 18-for-18 on the penalty kill in this tournament.

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