The stars aligned in Milano Cortina as the U.S. Women’s Ice Hockey Team delivered a golden performance for the ages. On February 19, 2026, Team USA defeated rival Canada 2–1 in overtime, securing their third Olympic gold medal and their first since 2018. The win capped off one of the most dominant tournament runs in women’s hockey history, and completed the United States’ first‑ever Olympic hockey sweep, with both the men’s and women’s teams winning gold in the same Games.

 

A Tournament of Total Control

Team USA didn’t just win, they overwhelmed the field.
Across seven games, the Americans posted a 6–1–0–0 record, effectively going undefeated and outscoring opponents by a staggering 33–2.

 

Defensive Perfection

• Five straight shutouts — a new women’s Olympic record

• 14-for-14 penalty kill — flawless from start to finish

• Only two goals allowed in the entire tournament

This was a defensive masterclass, anchored by elite goaltending and a blue line that smothered every opponent.

 

The Gold Medal Game: USA 2, Canada 1 (OT)

The final at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena delivered everything fans expect from the world’s fiercest rivalry, speed, grit, and a finish worthy of Olympic lore.

 

Aerin Frankel: The Wall in Net

Goaltender Aerin Frankel was sensational, stopping 30 of 31 shots.
Her tournament numbers were historic:

• .979 save percentage

• 0.39 goals‑against average

• Most shutouts in a single Olympics

Frankel’s performance will be remembered as one of the greatest goaltending runs in Olympic history.

 

Hilary Knight Forces Overtime

With the U.S. trailing late, captain Hilary Knight delivered yet another iconic moment.
Her goal with 2:04 left in regulation tied the game and made her:

• The all‑time U.S. Olympic leader in goals (15)

• The all‑time U.S. Olympic leader in points (33)

Knight’s legacy, already legendary, reached an entirely new level.

 

Megan Keller Scores the Golden Goal

Just over four minutes into overtime, defender Megan Keller jumped on a breakaway and buried the puck for the golden goal.
Taylor Heise provided the primary assist, threading the pass that set Keller free.

The celebration that followed was pure joy, a team that dominated from start to finish finally claiming the prize they had earned.

 

Stars of the Tournament

 

Caroline Harvey: MVP & Best Defender

Caroline Harvey was named:

• Tournament MVP

• Best Defender

She led all players with 9 points (2G, 7A), driving the offense from the blue line and controlling every game she touched.

 

A Team Built for Greatness

From Knight’s leadership to Frankel’s brilliance, from Harvey’s two‑way dominance to the depth across all four lines, this was a complete team, fast, disciplined, and relentless.

 

A Historic Sweep for Team USA

With the women winning gold on February 19 and the men capturing gold three days later, the United States achieved its first‑ever Olympic hockey sweep.

 

It’s a moment that will stand forever in American sports history, a testament to the strength, depth, and future of U.S. hockey.

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Team USA Wins Gold in Men’s Ice Hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics Article

 

Team USA Shines in Milan–Cortina: Article

 

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