Team USA captured its first men’s hockey gold medal in 46 years with a thrilling 2–1 overtime victory over Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Sunday. 

The matchup of the two hockey superpowers featured Whitefish native Jake Sanderson.  

The gold‑medal showdown lived up to expectations. Matt Boldy opened the scoring for the U.S. six minutes into regulation, giving the Americans early control. Canada responded late in the second period, with Cale Makar’s shot tying the score 1–1 heading into the third.  

Neither side could break through in the final frame, despite Canada tilting the ice heavily in its favor and creating high‑danger chances. The U.S. relied on goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who stopped 41 of 42 shots, to stay in it. 

The game moved into sudden‑death 3‑on‑3 overtime. Less than two minutes into the extra session, Jack Hughes took a pass from Zach Werenski and slipped the puck past Canada’s Jordan Binnington to clinch the gold for Team USA.  

The goal would secure the nation’s first men’s gold since the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” and only its third in history.  

“This is all about our country right now,” said Jack Hughes in an AP news article. “I love the U.S.A. I love my teammates. It’s unbelievable. The USA Hockey brotherhood is so strong.” 

Among the brotherhood, Sanderson contributed to the historic win.  

Playing in his second Olympics, the 23-year-old defenseman finished the Winter Games with two assists and 10 shots on goal.  

Sanderson has roots at Stumptown Ice Den, playing for Glacier Hockey Association before moving to Calgary when he was 12. Sanderson joined North Dakota for two seasons of college, before being selected by the Ottawa Senators, fifth overall, in the 2020 NHL draft.  

The dual citizen represents the U.S., first playing on the international stage in the 2021 and 2022 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, prior to his 2022 Olympic selection.  

In February 2025, when Hughes was hurt for the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, Sanderson was asked to join the team as his replacement. Sanderson rose to the occasion and scored a goal in the final against Canada; although Canada would eventually win in overtime 3-2.  

The 4 Nations goal reinforced Sanderson’s position as an emerging star.  

“He’s shown that he belongs,” said Team USA coach Mike Sullivan in January, after the Olympic roster was announced. “He’s an emerging elite defenseman in this league.” 

    The United States celebrates after a sudden-death overtime goal against Canada during the men's ice hockey gold medal agam at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Sunday Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
  

    Gold medalists of the United States pose after the men's ice hockey gold medal game against Canada and the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Sunday Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)