The USA women’s hockey gold Milan-Cortina 2026 was decided in dramatic fashion as the United States edged Canada 2-1 in overtime to reclaim Olympic glory.
In one of the most intense chapters of the sport’s greatest rivalry, the final delivered high drama from start to finish. The win marked the third Olympic gold medal in U.S. women’s hockey history.
After a scoreless opening period, Canada struck early in the second. Kristin O’Neill scored a shorthanded goal just 54 seconds into the frame, ending the United States’ shutout streak in the tournament.
Canadian goaltender Ann-Renee Desbiens frustrated American attackers for much of the game, turning aside repeated scoring chances as time ticked away in regulation. With minutes remaining and the U.S. net empty in a 6-on-5 situation, Hilary Knight delivered the equaliser.
Hilary Knight’s Historic Moment
Knight’s late goal tied the game 1-1 and etched her name further into Olympic history. With the tally, she became the all-time leading goal scorer and points leader in U.S. Olympic hockey history.
The equaliser forced overtime for the third time in the last four Olympic tournaments between the two rivals.
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Overtime brought relentless pressure from both sides. However, Megan Keller found space and fired home the decisive goal to secure the 2-1 victory. The U.S. bench erupted as teammates celebrated on the ice, confirming the United States as Olympic champions once again.
The Milan-Cortina 2026 final stands out not only for its tension but also for its defining moments: Knight’s record-setting equaliser and Keller’s golden finish.
