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US edges Canada in overtime to claim third Olympic gold
Megan Keller's overtime strike sealed a 2-1 victory for the United States over Canada in the women's ice hockey final at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, marking the team's first gold since Pyeongchang 2018.
The road to overtime
Canada's Kristin O'Neill broke the Americans' 352-minute shutout streak in the second period, giving her team a 1-0 lead at Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. With just over two minutes remaining in regulation, US captain Hilary Knight netted her 15th Olympic goal-her last-to force sudden-death overtime. This marked the third time in four Olympic finals that the women's gold medal required extra time.
The golden goal
Four minutes into the three-on-three overtime, Keller outmaneuvered her defender and fired past Canadian goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens, sparking jubilant celebrations as her teammates flooded the ice.
"I'm lost for words. This is an incredible feeling. I love these girls so much. This group deserves it. The effort and faith we kept through this four-year journey is something very special."
Megan Keller
Dominance and rivalry
The US and Canada have contested every Olympic women's ice hockey final since the sport's debut in 1998, except for 2006 when Canada defeated Sweden. Canada, five-time champions, entered the final reeling from a 5-0 group-stage loss to the US-their worst Olympic defeat in 28 years. The Americans, meanwhile, had conceded only two goals throughout the tournament before O'Neill's strike.
Bronze and men's preview
Earlier on Thursday, Switzerland secured the bronze medal with a 2-1 win over Sweden. The men's final will take place on Sunday, with Canada facing Finland and the US set to play Slovakia in Friday's semifinals.
Olympic coverage
The 2026 Winter Olympics run from February 6 to 22 in Milan-Cortina. Live streams, highlights, and updates are available on BBC iPlayer (UK only), BBC Radio 5 Live, and the BBC Sport website and app.
