Jack Hughes etched his name into U.S. Olympic folklore with one electrifying shot. Just 1:41 into overtime of the men’s hockey final at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, Hughes received a pass from Zach Werenski and fired the puck between the legs of Canadian goaltender Jordan Binnington. The goal sealed a 2-1 victory over Canada and ignited a celebration inside Santagiulia Arena.
“This is all about our country right now. I love the USA,” Hughes told NBC after the game. “I love my teammates.”
It was only the third time the United States captured Olympic gold in men’s hockey, following triumphs in 1960 and the iconic 1980 “Miracle on Ice.” This time, there were no regrets—only redemption after previous gold-medal defeats to Canada in 2002 and 2010.
Playing through pain for the flag
Hughes’ heroics came after enduring a brutal high stick from Canada’s Sam Bennett late in regulation. The blow left him bleeding and missing several teeth, yet he returned to the ice when it mattered most.
Canada killed the resulting four-minute penalty and even gained a late power play of its own. But the United States survived the final tense minutes to force overtime.
“Listen, they probably outplayed us a little bit tonight,” Jack Hughes said. “Our goalie stood on his head though, and then overtime we both have skilled players, so anything can happen.”
That belief became reality moments later when Hughes delivered the golden goal.
A team effort backed by grit
While Hughes claimed the spotlight, he was quick to credit goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who made 41 saves and repeatedly denied Canadian surges.
“We’re not winning that game if it’s not for Helly,” Brady Tkachuk said.
Earlier, Matt Boldy had given the U.S. a 1-0 lead with a dazzling effort. “Somehow [the puck] just stuck with me and got lucky on the goal,” Boldly said.
Under relentless Canadian pressure, the Americans bent but did not break. Hellebuyck’s acrobatics and key defensive plays kept the score level until overtime opened the ice three-on-three—where Jack Hughes thrived.
He later reflected on the magnitude of the moment.
“The best experiences I have are playing for my country,” Hughes said. “Playing to break the golden drought with this group of guys and for us to win gold here at the Olympics — just an unbelievable moment.”
Through blood, resilience, and one decisive strike, Jack Hughes didn’t just score a goal—he ended a golden drought and became America’s newest hockey hero.