P.K. Subban has expressed high praise for the U.S. men’s hockey team following their nail-biting victory over Canada, clinching the gold medal for the first time since the legendary “Miracle on Ice” in 1980. In an exciting final held in Milan, Jack Hughes netted the decisive goal just 1:41 into 3-on-3 overtime, leading Team USA to a 2-1 triumph against their archrivals on Sunday.
This historic win not only marked a significant achievement for the men’s hockey team but also paralleled the women’s team, which had previously defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime for gold, showcasing a clean sweep for USA Hockey. American players had confidently stated their intentions leading up to the tournament with a “gold or bust” mentality, and they delivered on that promise against their biggest competitors.
Hughes’ remarkable overtime goal was assisted by Zach Werenski, who managed to steal the puck from Canada’s Nathan MacKinnon before sending a precise pass to Hughes. Hughes remarked, “This is all about our country right now… The USA Hockey brotherhood is so strong,” emphasizing the unity and spirit of the team.
Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck played a pivotal role in securing the victory, turning away an impressive 41 shots throughout the match. His performance was particularly noteworthy given his previous struggles in the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs with the Winnipeg Jets, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most. Hellebuyck recorded several crucial saves, including a spectacular stop against Devon Toews in the third period, and his overall performance was hailed as extraordinary by his teammates.
This victory also served as a form of redemption for the U.S. squad, having suffered a loss to Canada in last year’s Four Nations title game. Hughes noted the significance of the win, stating, “It could have gone either way,” pointing to the tense nature of the competition between the two teams.
The emotional celebration included a tribute to the late Johnny Gaudreau, who was tragically killed alongside his brother in 2024. U.S. captain Auston Matthews and others honored Gaudreau by skating with his jersey around the rink. After the medal ceremony, team members brought two of Gaudreau’s children onto the ice for a photograph with the team and their father’s jersey, reinforcing the sense of community and support within USA Hockey.
Sunday’s victory represents Team USA’s third gold medal in men’s Olympic hockey history, and their first since defeating the Soviet Union over four decades ago. Previous encounters in gold medal games between the U.S. and Canada had seen Canada victorious in 2002 and 2010. Meanwhile, Canada, despite their star-studded lineup, including top players like Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon, faced challenges, including the absence of captain Sidney Crosby due to injury.
This triumph for Team USA not only sets a new standard in their hockey legacy but also brings hope for future tournaments, invigorating a strong sense of national pride and athletic excellence.