In a thrilling overtime finish, the U.S. women's hockey team triumphed over Canada with a score of 2-1 in the gold medal match at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics. Canada initially took the lead with a short-handed goal from Kristin O’Niell in the second period, but the U.S. equalized through Hilary Knight just before the end of regulation. Megan Keller scored the decisive goal in overtime, marking a continued trend of closely contested finals between these two rivals since the inception of women’s hockey in the Olympics in 1998.

This victory for the U.S. adds another gold medal to their tally in the ongoing Olympic Games, while Canada, having previously won the gold medal against the U.S. in the 2022 Beijing Olympics, now settles for the silver. The outcome underscores the competitive dynamics between the two teams, both of which have dominated women's ice hockey on the Olympic stage for over two decades. With this defeat, Canada faces the challenge of overcoming an eight-game losing streak against the Americans, heightening the rivalry and anticipation for their future matchups.

Overall, the match encapsulates the spirit of Olympic competition, highlighting not just the skills of the athletes but also the deep-rooted rivalry that has evolved over the years. As Canada returns home with its 15th medal from these games, the team will likely reflect on its journey and strategize for future events, aiming to reclaim their position at the top.