The latest chapter in the fiercest rivalry in women’s hockey delivered exactly what the sport promises: speed, skill, and a finish that will echo for years.
Team USA captured Olympic gold with a dramatic 2-1 overtime victory over Canada at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, sealing the title on a dazzling individual effort from Megan Keller just over four minutes into 3-on-3 play.
Keller’s winner was equal parts patience and precision. After receiving a pass along the left boards, she extended her stick to shift the puck around defender Claire Thompson, regained control, and slipped a composed shot between the pads of Canadian goaltender Ann-Renee Desbiens. The move froze the defense and sent the American bench spilling onto the ice in celebration.
The Americans had to claw their way there.
Canada opened the scoring less than a minute into the first period when Kristin O’Neill capitalized on a shorthanded opportunity, ending a remarkable U.S. shutout streak that had stretched beyond 352 minutes. It was just the second goal allowed by Team USA during a tournament run that saw them enter the final unbeaten at 6-0.
Desbiens stood firm for much of regulation, turning aside wave after wave of American pressure. The United States held a narrow edge in second-period shots and matched Canada’s pace in the third, but the equalizer remained elusive as the clock ticked under three minutes.
With 2:23 remaining, U.S. coach made the bold call to pull goaltender Aerin Frankel for an extra skater. The gamble paid off almost immediately.
Megan Keller moved the puck up high to Laila Edwards, who fired toward the net. Hilary Knight established position in front and produced a deft deflection that slipped past Desbiens with 2:04 left in regulation. The goal tied the game and etched Knight’s name even deeper into American hockey history, setting new national Olympic records with 15 career goals and 33 total points.
Frankel, who finished with 30 saves, was sharp in overtime as Canada pressed early. Once the Americans regained possession, Keller authored the decisive moment that secured the nation’s third Olympic gold medal in women’s hockey.
Since the sport’s Olympic debut in 1998, the gold medal has never left North America. Canada holds five titles, while the United States now claims three, reinforcing a rivalry that continues to define the international game.
Earlier in the day, Switzerland earned the bronze medal with a 2-1 overtime win against Sweden, sealed by Aline Muller after a balanced effort that also featured a goal from Sinja Leemann.
But the spotlight belonged to Keller and a U.S. squad that refused to let time run out on its championship hopes. In a final worthy of the Olympic stage, resilience proved just as important as skill.