Olympic heartbreak: U.S. women beat Canada in overtime for gold

The United States has defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime to capture Olympic gold in women’s hockey.

The Americans forced extra time after scoring with less than two minutes left in regulation, erasing Canada’s 1-0 lead and shifting momentum in a gold-medal game that had been tightly controlled for much of the night.

Canada had opened the scoring in the second period and carried that slim advantage deep into the third before the late equalizer.

The result caps another intense chapter in one of the fiercest rivalries in international sport, with the two programs once again delivering a final that went down to the wire.

Previous live coverage is below…

4:55 p.m. - ‘Nothing but proud’: Carney congratulates women’s hockey team

Prime Minister Mark Carney offered congratulations to the Canadian women’s hockey team on their silver medal after their 2-1 overtime loss to the U.S. on Thursday.

“Nothing but proud,” Carney wrote on social media.

- CTVNews.ca’s Hunter Crowther

4:40 p.m. - Students cheered on Canada in schools across Toronto

The Canadian women’s hockey team lost the gold but inspired a country of fans who watched their underdog fight against the United States in a heavyweight Olympic bout.

Stunned crowds in school gyms, doctors’ waiting rooms, public libraries and other makeshift watch parties looked on Thursday afternoon as Canada gave up a late third period lead and lost in overtime.

Despite the defeat, 11-year-old Clara Hunt, who doesn’t play hockey, was considering taking up the sport.“Watching this is really inspiring me to play more hockey, watch more hockey and just become a stronger Canadian woman,” she said.

Hunt was one of the many Ontario school students who tuned in for a real-time lesson in sports history and symbolism as the puck dropped on the greatest rivalry in women’s hockey, imbued with recent geopolitical tensions of the fraught Canada-U.S. relationship.

Her gymnasium at Bessborough Drive Elementary and Middle School in Toronto’s east end held hundreds of young enraptured fans.

Emma Botrie, also 11, said she too was moved by the game.

“It means a lot to me because I play hockey myself and seeing these girls fight to get the gold medal, it is really inspiring for me, really motivational,” she said.

“It was really amazing and really fun to cheer on the girls with my friends … put on our outfits, to show Canadian pride.”

- The Canadian Press

4:25 p.m. - Canadian women presented with their silver medals

The medal ceremony is underway, as the Canadian women are draped with their silver medals and handed plushies of the Milano Cortina Olympic mascots.

- CTV News Toronto/CP24’s Laura Sebben

4:15 p.m. - Silver medal is Canada’s 15th of the Games

Despite losing out on gold, the silver medal earned by Canada’s women’s hockey team marks the 15th medal and fifth silver won by Team Canada at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Games.

- CTV News Toronto/CP24’s Laura Sebben

4:05 p.m. – Ford congratulates Canada for a ‘great Olympics run’

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has taken to social media to congratulate the Canadian women’s team on a “great Olympics run” and an “incredibly hard-fought game” against the USA for gold.

A total of 14 players on Canada’s Olympic women’s hockey roster have Ontario roots.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24/ CTV News Toronto

4 p.m. - Olympic loss marks eighth straight to USA for Canadian women

Despite entering the gold medal match as defending Olympic champions, Canada will have to settle for silver in Milano Cortina.

This is now the eighth straight game the Canadian women have lost to the United States, following a 5-0 preliminary-round defeat last week.

It was also the eighth time the two countries faced off in an Olympic final.

- CTV News Toronto/CP24’s Laura Sebben

3:55 p.m. - USA win Olympic gold

A goal from Megan Keller gave the United States a 2-1 defeat over Canada in overtime to capture Olympic gold in women’s hockey.

3:50 p.m. – ‘Palpable tension’ as OT begins

Sports Illustrated writer Pat Forde says that there is “palpable tension” inside the Olympic hockey arena as overtime gets underway.

3:45 p.m. - No shootouts in gold medal game

Canada and the U.S. will play a full 20-minute period of sudden death, three-on-three hockey until a goal is scored.

Under the rules for the gold medal game, there will be no shootout and the teams will continue playing 20-minute sudden death periods until there is a winner.

This is different from earlier rounds of the Olympic hockey tournament, where there was a 10-minute sudden death overtime period of three-on-three hockey followed by a shootout if no team scored.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24/ CTV News Toronto

3:40 p.m. - Knight becomes highest scoring American at the Olympics

With her game tying goal, the USA’s Hilary Knight stands alone with the most career goals and points by an American in the Olympics, with 15 goals and 33 points.

- CTV News Toronto/CP24’s Laura Sebben

3:35 p.m. – Fifth time Canada vs USA will go to OT in gold medal game

Canada and the U.S. have met in the gold medal game of the Olympic women’s hockey tournament on seven different occasions dating back to 1998. This will be the fifth time that the battle for gold goes to overtime.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24/ CTV News Toronto

3:31 p.m. - Gold medal game heads to overtime

3:27 p.m. - USA ties the game

Hilary Knight scores off an assist from Laila Edwards with 2:04 remaining in the third period to tie the gold medal game at 1-1.

- CTV News Toronto/CP24’s Laura Sebben

3:15 p.m. - Wayne Gretzky weighs in from Milan

Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky joined CTV’s Heather Butts at the Hockey Canada Ice Palazzo in Milan, offering high praise for Team Canada’s performance.

“You know it’s so enormous... (Canada) has had so much success over the years in the Olympic Games and the women’s sport, but over the last couple of years, the American women have come on, and the Canadian team, going into this game, was a little bit of an underdog, but they played so well tonight, you can tell that they’re playing with a lot of pride, and it’s been a tremendous hockey game.”

He said Canada’s level of play stood out.

“You can see, witnessing this game, the Canadian girls are playing probably as good as they’ve ever played against the US.”

Gretzky also reflected on the growth of women’s hockey, crediting his father for supporting the sport decades ago.

“One of the things I’m most proud of, and didn’t even come from me, but my dad was a big believer in women’s sports… one of the very first women’s hockey tournaments in Brantford, Ontario, way back in mid 80s. And my dad was adamant that we’re going to have women’s tournaments as long as we have boys tournaments.”

“These girls deserve a lot of credit. The game has prospered.”

- CTV News Toronto/CP24’s Jermaine Wilson

3:11 p.m. – Americans ‘wrote our ladies off’: Bissonnette

NHL on TNT Analyst Paul Bissonnette says that he believes that the U.S. “wrote our ladies off” after a 5-0 win against Canada in the preliminary round.

If Canada can hold on for gold, Bissonette says that it will “completely shock the Americans.”

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24/ CTV News Toronto

2:57 p.m. - ‘Electric’ atmosphere in the arena: TSN commentators

“It’s an electric atmosphere in Milan,” TSN’s Mark Masters told CTV News from the rink in Milan. “Canadian fans and American fans are competing with dueling chants. Canadian fans seem to be getting louder as a gold medal gets closer. The Canadian players have responded with their most impressive performance of the tournament.”

TSN’s Ryan Rishaug also described the energy in the hockey area as “absolutely electric.”

“I think a lot of people are quite stunned at how competitive Canada has been considering the recent history between these two teams and how dominant the US had been, but an experienced group has been composed, smart and played an incredible team game so far,” said Rishaug.

2:55 p.m. - Olympic legacy felt inside East York school gym

Back at Bessborough Drive Elementary and Middle School, one teacher says the gold-medal game carries personal meaning.

Stephanie Borland told CTV News her grandfather competed in the Olympics in 1936.

“My grandfather, he was born in 1910 and in 1936 he represented not Canada, but he is a Canadian who learned to play ice hockey here at a very young age.”

“They won the gold medal. His hockey team won the gold medal at the Olympics. Incredible,” she said.

She added his determination continues to inspire her students today.

“He definitely was not a quitter. He did not make this team in the beginning, but he was a determined man, and he just kept going and trying out and talking to the coaches until he managed to persuade them to let him be on the team and bring home the gold medal.”

- CTV News Toronto/CP24’s Jermaine Wilson

2:50 p.m. - ‘Best of the best’: Canadian fans watch in Milan

CTV’s Heather Butts says the atmosphere inside the Canadian Ice Palazzo in Milan is reaching a fever pitch as the second period winds down.

Calling it the “best of the best,” Butts described an emotional scene inside the Hockey Canada watch party.

“It’s just an amazing scene here. Check out these people. These are family, friends, former athletes, Olympians, in this room. They are here cheering on Canada’s women’s hockey team. The vibe is unbelievable.”

She added that Canadian pride is unmistakable abroad.

“Canadian pride is always strong when you’re traveling, it’s not hard to spot a Canadian wearing a maple leaf, wearing a Canadian flag on their bag, or a pin.”

- CTV News Toronto/CP24’s Jermaine Wilson

2:45 p.m. – Tom Brady, Billie Jean King in attendance

Former NFL star Tom Brady, former tennis star Billie Jean King and Hockey Hall of Fame member Mark Messier are among some of the stars in attendance at the women’s gold medal game in Milan.

Freestyle skier Mikael Kingsbury, who won a gold medal for Canada in dual moguls on Sunday, was also spotted in the crowd.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24/ CTV News Toronto

2:38 p.m. - 2nd period ends with Canada leading

The second period has come to a close with Canada leading the United States 1-0, following an early period power play goal from Kristin O’Neill.

- CTV News Toronto/CP24’s Laura Sebben

2:32 p.m. – 10 players with ties to GTA on roster

There are no shortages of players on Canada’s Olympic women’s hockey team with ties to the GTA.

A total of 10 players on the roster hail from the GTHA, led by Scarborough’s Natalie Spooner and Hamilton’s Renata Fast and Sarah Nurse. A total of six players on Canada’s roster also suit up for the Toronto Sceptres of the PWHL. Team Canada Head Coach Troy Ryan is the head coach of the Sceptres.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24/ CTV News Toronto

2:30 p.m. - Women’s shorthanded goals at the Olympics

Kristin O’Neill joins just five other Canadian women’s hockey players to get a shorthanded goal in a women’s Olympic tournament, according to TSN’s StatsCentre.

- CTV News Toronto/CP24’s Laura Sebben

2:20 p.m. - TDSB cheering on Canadian women and former students

The Toronto District School Board is cheering on the Canadian women’s hockey team at the Olympics, with a trio of former students on the roster.

“We are proud to cheer on three former students competing in today’s Olympic women’s gold medal hockey game! Sophie Jaques (Silverthorn CI), Natalie Spooner (Cedarbrae CI) and Claire Thompson (Martingrove CI), you are all champions on and off the ice.”

- CTV News Toronto/CP24’s Laura Sebben

2:18 p.m. - East York school erupts as Canada scores first goal

The gym at Bessborough Drive Elementary and Middle School is packed wall-to-wall with hundreds of students chanting “Go Canada Go” as the gold-medal game unfolds.

Faces are painted red and white, and students are decked out in Team Canada gear as they watch on the big screen.

Canada has now taken a 1–0 lead in the second period, sending the gym into a frenzy after the opening goal.

One student told CTV News: “I love watching hockey because... girls and kids and everyone can just express themselves.”

- CTV News Toronto/CP24’s Jermaine Wilson

2:15 p.m. – Edwards ‘out of position’ on Canada’s shorthanded goal

ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski says that USA’s Laila Edwards expected the puck to go up the wall and out of bounds when it took an “unexpected bounce” which led to her being “out of position” for Canada’s shorthanded goal.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24/ CTV News Toronto

2:10 p.m. - Students in Nova Scotia rally behind hometown hero Blayre Turnbull

Students at G.R. Saunders Elementary in Stellarton, N.S., are cheering on one of their own as Blayre Turnbull takes to the ice for Canada in the Olympic gold-medal game against the United States.

Turnbull, a former student at the school, is hoping to bring home gold for Canada — and her hometown is marking the moment with a school-wide watch party.

CTV News spoke with Rene Melong, a Grade 6 teacher at G.R. Saunders Elementary School, who says students see Turnbull as a trailblazer.

“Blayre has kind of paved the way,” Melong said of their hometown hero and fellow graduate playing on the sport’s biggest stage.

• Stellarton cheers on hockey hero Blayre Turnbull as Canada takes on U.S.

- CTV News Toronto/CP24’s Jermaine Wilson, with files from CTV News’ Emma Convey

2:05 p.m. - Canada makes it 1-0

Canada gets on the board first, making the score 1-0.

Kristin O’Neill gets the puck behind the U.S. goalie on the power play to start the second period.

- CTV News Toronto/CP24’s Laura Sebben

2 p.m. – ‘The best Canada has played in a year’

Canada outshot the United States 8-6 in the first period. Ian Kennedy of the Hockey News says that Canada has had the “better chances” so far, describing the first period as “the best Canada has played in a year.”

The United States, it should be noted, has had the edge against Canada recently, winning seven straight games between the two nations, including a 5-0 victory in the preliminary round.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24/ CTV News Toronto

1:55 p.m. - Golden goal or assist?

Pregame, Canada’s women’s hockey team was asked if they were to win the gold medal game, who would score the golden goal and who would assist.

While the majority of those asked said they would provide the “assist,” forward Blayre Turnbull playfully accused them of being liars.

“Definitely score,” she said. “So, you’re telling me everyone else would rather assist? I think people are lying.”

- CTV News Toronto/CP24’s Laura Sebben

1:48 p.m. – Former Blue Jay ‘locked in’ on gold medal game

Former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher and California native Ricky Romero is among those tuned in to today’s gold medal game. Romero did not reveal which country he is cheering for, but said that he would be supporting Keswick, Ont., native and Canadian blueline Erin Ambrose.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24/ CTV News Toronto

1:45 p.m. - 1st period ends

The first period has come to a close in the gold medal game.

Neither team has yet to score, the game remaining at 0-0.

- CTV News Toronto/CP24’s Laura Sebben

1:40 p.m. - Canadian Ice Palazzo buzzing ahead of puck drop in Milan

CTV’s Heather Butts is live in Milan, Italy, from The Hockey Canada Ice Palazzo — a dedicated gathering space for athletes and families during the Winter Games.

• Canada’s Ice Palazzo welcomes athletes, friends and family at the Winter Olympics

The venue is hosting a watch party organized by Hockey Canada, designed to bring together loved ones of Canadian athletes.

“They wanted to design a space for family and friends of Canadian athletes to be able to come and watch games together and spend time together. Have a space for kids, but most importantly, celebrate Canadian athletics right here in Milan,” Butts said.

She adds that people are beginning to fill the room, gathering around big screens in anticipation of the gold medal matchup between Canada women’s national ice hockey team and United States women’s national ice hockey team.

“There’s lots of people starting to join in this room. They’re watching the big screens in anticipation of this game,” she said, noting there are also plenty of activities to keep children engaged.

Butts also describes a strong Canadian presence throughout the city.

“You walk into restaurants you can spot a Canadian right off the bat, doesn’t matter what sport they’re cheering for people start talking.”

- CTV News Toronto/CP24’s Jermaine Wilson

1:25 p.m. - Fans gather at Real Sports Bar in Toronto

Dozens of fans are beginning to trickle into Real Sports Bar & Grill near Scotiabank Arena for the women’s hockey gold medal game.

Sports and entertainment giant Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) announced Wednesday it was moving the official watch party from Coca-Cola Coliseum to Real Sports Bar & Grill, shifting the gathering to the venue next to Scotiabank Arena.

Fans are decked out in red and white are filtering in ahead of puck drop, with staff preparing for a busy afternoon as anticipation builds for the Canada–U.S. rivalry showdown.

- CTV News Toronto/CP24’s Jermaine Wilson

1:20 p.m. - Poulin sets record for games played

Marie Philip Poulin has now officially played more games for Canada at the Olympics than any other women’s hockey player.

The Canadian captain entered today’s game tied with Hayley Wickenheiser and Jayna Hefford at 26 games a piece.

Poulin also stands alone atop Canada’s all-time scoring list after scoring her 19th and 20th Olympic goals in a semi-final win over Switzerland earlier this week.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24/ CTV News Toronto

1:17 p.m. - U.S. only has 1 goal against at 2026 Olympics

According to ESPN Insights, the USA Women’s hockey team has only allowed one goal this year at the Olympics. That goal was in their first game of the tournament against Czechia.

- CTV News Toronto/CP24’s Laura Sebben

1:15 p.m. - Ford orders watch parties in schools

Ontario students will be able to watch today’s women’s gold medal game during school hours, Ontario Premier Doug Ford says.

He made the announcement on social media on Wednesday.

“To help everyone get in the spirit of the games, I’ve directed the Minister of Education to make sure all Ontario students are able to watch the remaining Team Canada hockey games that take place during school hours, starting with (Thursday’s) game,” Ford said.

- CTV News Toronto/CP24’s Laura Sebben

1:08 p.m. - Canadian women take the ice

The Canadian and U.S. teams take the ice ahead of the gold medal game to loud cheers from the Milan Cortina crowd.

- CTV News Toronto/CP24’s Laura Sebben

1 p.m. - East York school transforms gym into “Canada House” for gold medal game

Students at Bessborough Drive Elementary and Middle School in East York are gathering for a school-wide watch party as Canada faces the U.S. in the Olympic women’s hockey gold medal game.

CTV’s Beth Macdonell says the school’s organizing committee decorated the gym with a red carpet, chairs and cushions, and a large sign to recreate the feel of “Canada House,” as students get ready to watch the game on a big screen.

“We were really excited to watch this game, so we just decided that we wanted to make it a big thing, and we decorated the gym,” one student said.

Another added: “I’m just so excited. I think they have a really good chance of winning, and if they do, the whole school is going to be so excited. I’m just so ready for that.”

Organizers say the event is also about celebrating women in sports — a moment they see as especially meaningful given the long history of male-dominated coverage in athletics.

- CTV News Toronto/CP24’s Jermaine Wilson

With files from The Canadian Press