Hockey’s greatest international rivalry played out again Thursday, as the U.S. women’s team claimed the gold medal over Canada in the 2026 Winter Olympics. A revival on the men’s side could be soon forthcoming, and if so, plenty of additional television viewers and heightened geopolitical intensity are sure to follow.
The U.S. women’s dramatic 2–1 overtime win over the Canadians, played out in front of a lively crowd in Milan, was the latest installment of their rivalry following six prior Olympic gold medal matchups, including in 2022, 2018, 2014, and 2010. The Americans trailed for much of the game, scoring the tying goal with only two minutes left in regulation before the winner by Megan Keller in the extra period.
The same matchup on the men’s side is just one set of semifinal games away. Both the U.S. and Canadian teams needed dramatic overtime goals Wednesday in the quarterfinals to advance. Now, Canada will face Finland in the semifinals Friday, followed by the U.S. against Slovakia.
Each of the teams are buttressed by top NHL talent, as the pro league is participating in the Olympics for the first time since 2014.
If the U.S. and Canada both win, it will set up the first Olympic gold medal final between the two since 2010, famously won by Canada on a Sidney Crosby golden goal.
