In an extraordinary game, the US Women’s ice hockey team pulled off an astonishing comeback to beat Canada 2-1 in overtime and clinch gold in Milan.
Kristin O’Neill’s shot, early on in the second period, gave Canada a 1-0 lead. The USA were evidently rattled, having played 352 minutes this tournament without conceding. The belief was still there as they chased the equaliser – America had scored at least 5 goals in every game in the competition. Aggression levels were rising, and with a few minutes remaining, the pressure hit its peak when Canada’s Erin Ambrose went off injured after Britta Curl-Salemme shoved her into the boards.
Canada were moments away from winning their sixth Olympic gold medal in ice hockey. However, with 2 minutes remaining, a late equaliser from US Captain Hillary Knight saved her team, sending the game to overtime. It was Knight’s 15th career Olympic goal, breaking the record to become the all-time leading goalscorer in US Men and Women’s Ice Hockey history. In her last Olympic game, she got her storybook ending to an incredible Olympic career, winning her second gold and a fifth overall medal.
It was an enthralling game, with fans on the edge of their seats during overtime. American keeper Aerin Frankel made 30 saves, taking her total number in this competition to 97 saves out of 99 shots faced. Her teammate Megan Keller made sure her efforts weren’t in vain: the 29-year-old gained possession of the puck and released a shot from close distance, scoring the golden goal to send fans, players and coaches wild while simultaneously shattering the Canadians hearts.
This remains the greatest rivalry in women’s ice hockey. Beginning in the 1998 Nagano Olympics, Team USA beat Canada to claim the first ever gold medal after the event was introduced to the competition. Since then, the Olympic title has been passed between the two countries with Canada claiming 5 gold medals and the USA winning their 3rd on Thursday. In the preliminary round, the US beat Canada 5-0. That was Canada’s worst ever Olympic loss and marked the first time they had failed to score at the games.
Some standout players in this tournament include Laila Edwards who made history as the first black American to win a medal in Olympic Ice Hockey history. At just 22, she has won two NCAA national championships with Wisconsin and two World Championship medals, where she became the youngest player to be named Tournament MVP at age 20. It was her assist that led to Knight’s equaliser.
This Olympics’ MVP was Caroline Harvey. The 23-year-old is currently regarded as the most valuable player and best defenseman in the world, having won 2 World Championships and 2 NCAA Championships; she leaves the Olympics having made the most assists this tournament (7), along with 2 goals and 9 points. She made her Olympics debut at age 19 in Beijing where she won a silver medal as the youngest player on the team. In her junior season she became the all-time leading scorer among defenseman with 137 career points. She is expected to be the first overall pick in the 2026 PWHL draft alongside her best friend and teammate, Edwards.
Image: Unsplash (Taylor Friehl)
