Olympic heartbreak: Canada loses to U.S. in overtime in men’s hockey gold-medal game

Jack Hughes scored less than two minutes into overtime to give the United States a 2-1 win over Canada and the U.S. their first Olympic gold medal in men’s hockey since their 1980 “Miracle on Ice.”

Canada, who was playing in its fourth gold-medal game in an Olympic tournament since NHLers were allowed to participate in 1998, had to settle for a silver medal.

Canada outshot the Americans 42-28, but U.S. goaltender Connor Hellebuyck stood tall in the American crease, stopping a tournament-high 41 shots to backstop his country to a gold-medal victory.

The U.S. struck first after Matt Boldy scored six minutes into the first period to give the Americans a 1-0 lead. Canada peppered Hellebuyck with shots, finally breaking through late in the second period with a Cale Makar goal to tie it 1-1.

• OLYMPIC RECAP: Heartbreak closes final day of Milan Cortina Olympics for Canada
• Jack Hughes scores in overtime, U.S. beats Canada 2-1 for Olympic men’s hockey gold

Neither side could score in the third period, forcing the two teams to go to 3-on-3 overtime. At the 1:41 mark of of the extra frame, Jack Hughes, whose brother Quinn Hughes scored the OT-winner against Sweden in the quarterfinals, buried a wrister past Canadian goaltender Jordan Binnington to clinch the gold medal in men’s hockey.

This was the first Olympic tournament with NHL participation since 2014. Canada’s Drew Doughty was the only player in Sunday’s gold-medal game to have played in that tournament, as Sidney Crosby was kept out of the lineup due to a lower-body injury.

Here’s everything that happened during Sunday’s gold-medal game:

Jack Hughes scores in OT to win gold

The United States have defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime to win the gold medal in men’s hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.

Jack Hughes scored the game-winning goal less than two minutes into OT.

This is the first gold medal in men’s hockey for the U.S. since NHLers were permitted to play at the Olympics.

Hunter Crowther, CTVNews.ca journalist

Read full recap from The Canadian Press

McDavid named tournament MVP

Canada forward Connor McDavid was named the most valuable player for the men’s hockey Olympic tournament.

The Edmonton Oilers’ captain led the tournament in points with 13 (two goals and 11 assists), which set a record for scoring in tournaments that involve NHLers.

Sunday’s gold-medal game was the first contest in the tournament that McDavid was held pointless.

McDavid was also named the tournament’s Best Forward. United States’ defenseman Quinn Hughes was named Best Defender, while U.S. netminder Connor Hellebuyck was awarded Best Goalkeeper.

All three were named to the tournament All-Star Team by Olympic credentialed media, along with Canadian forward Macklin Celebrini and Czechia forward Juraj Slafkovsky.

Hunter Crowther, CTVNews.ca journalist

Crosby on how close he was to playing in final

Team Canada captain Sidney Crosby told reporters after the game that he was kept out of Sunday’s gold-medal game against the United States due to a lower-body injury sustained earlier in the week in the quarterfinals against Czechia.

“It was pretty close,” Crosby said. “Ultimately, I wasn’t able to go out there and do what I needed to do in order to help the team. At that point you have to make a decision that’s best for the group. It’s not an easy one, but that’s hockey.”

Crosby, who had two goals and four assists for six points through four games in the tournament, said it was difficult watching the game instead of playing, but that Canadians should be proud of how the team performed.

“I thought that obviously we did everything but score. In every facet we were so good today, I thought we deserved better,” he said. “Unfortunately, we didn’t come away with the win.”

Hunter Crowther, CTVNews.ca journalist

Trump praises U.S. on gold-medal victory

U.S. President Donald Trump shared a post on Truth Social in celebration of the country’s gold-medal victory over Canada in men’s hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

“Congratulations to our great U.S.A. Ice Hockey team. THEY WON THE GOLD. WOW!” Trump wrote.

“WHAT A GAME!!!” he added in a separate post.

Hunter Crowther, CTVNews.ca journalist

Carney congratulates Canada on silver

Prime Minister Mark Carney praised the Canadian men’s hockey Olympic team after their 2-1 overtime loss to the United States on Sunday.

“Congratulations on a hard-fought and well-earned silver,” Carney wrote. “You made your country proud.”

Hunter Crowther, CTVNews.ca journalist

Overtime underway in gold-medal game

Overtime is underway between Canada and the United States in the gold-medal game for men’s hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The two teams will play 3-on-3 until someone scores.

Hunter Crowther, CTVNews.ca journalist

‘Nailbiter’ as gold-medal game heads to overtime

TORONTO - CP24’s Melissa Duggan says the atmosphere inside Scotiabank Arena is tense as the gold-medal game heads to overtime tied 1-1.

She describes it as a “nailbiter,” with many fans telling her they need to step away briefly because the intensity — and adrenaline — has been overwhelming.

One fan told CP24, “I’m scared, I’m so scared,” later adding, “the boys are coming back.”

Jermaine Wilson, CP24.com & CTVNewsToronto.ca

Canada, U.S. will head to overtime

Canadian goaltender Jordan Binnington made several key stops while the U.S. was on a power play, then U.S. forward Jack Hughes high-sticked Canadian forward Bo Horvat to end the U.S. man advantage.

Canada had several chances of their own with a 70-second power play, but they were unable to capitalize, and the score remains 1-1 after 60 minutes.

The two teams will now head to 3-on-3 overtime after a 15-minute intermission.

Through three periods, the shots are 41-26 in favour of Canada.

Hunter Crowther, CTVNews.ca journalist

U.S. gets four-minute power play off Bennett high-stick

The United States will get a four-minute power play after Canadian forward Sam Bennett takes a double-minor penalty for high-sticking U.S. forward Jack Hughes.

There’s 5:33 remaining in the third period.

Hunter Crowther, CTVNews.ca journalist

Canada heavily outshooting U.S., score remains 1-1

At the midway point of the third period, Canada is outshooting the United States 36-17, including several high-quality opportunities to start the final frame.

But U.S. goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has stood tall, stopping 35 of those shots and keeping the score at 1-1.

Hunter Crowther, CTVNews.ca journalist

Carney watches game with friends, family at the pub

OTTAWA — With a jersey on his back and a pint in hand — a non-alcoholic one — Prime Minister Mark Carney settled in at the pub for the men’s gold medal Olympic hockey game between Canada and the United States on Sunday morning.

Carney and his wife, Diana Fox Carney, joined a gaggle of friends and family of the Prime Minister’s Office, Liberal MPs and restaurant staff at Quebec’s Chelsea Pub north of Ottawa shortly before 8 a.m., just ahead of the first faceoff.

Carney sported a jersey he was gifted earlier this year by the women’s national team with his surname on the back, while Fox Carney donned a No. 29 Marie-Philip Poulin jersey.

The Canadian Press

Read the full story here

Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena erupts as Canada ties the game

TORONTO - Scotiabank Arena exploded in celebration after Canada tied the gold-medal game.

Fans were seen jumping to their feet, waving Canadian flags and cheering at the giant screens as CP24’s Melissa Duggan shared the moment on social media.

The early-morning watch party quickly turned into a sea of red and white as the crowd roared in response to the equalizer.

Jermaine Wilson, CP24.com & CTVNewsToronto.ca

Canada’s Makar scores to tie it 1-1

Canada defenseman Cale Makar scored with 1:44 to go in the second period to tie the game 1-1.

Makar took a feed from Devon Toews and fired a shot blocker-side past U.S. goaltender Connor Hellebuyck for his second goal of the tournament.

Hunter Crowther, CTVNews.ca journalist

Wayne Gretzky spotted in crowd

Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, also known as “The Great One,” has once again been spotted in the crowd at the gold-medal game.

His presence adds another layer of star power to the Canada–U.S. showdown as fans watch closely with the gold medal on the line.

Jermaine Wilson, CP24.com & CTVNewsToronto.ca journalist

Canada soccer shows support in Italy

Canada Soccer defender Alistair Johnston is in attendance for the men’s hockey gold-medal game between Canada and the United States.

Johnston, who plays for Celtic in the Scottish Premiership, represented Canada at the 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa America, and is expected to be part of their roster at the 2026 World Cup.

Hunter Crowther, CTVNews.ca journalist

‘Let’s go Canada’ chants echo inside Scotiabank Arena

TORONTO – “Let’s go Canada,” CP24’s Melissa Duggan shared on social media.

Fans at Scotiabank Arena are chanting loudly during the second period, urging the team to find the equalizer at the gold-medal watch party.

Meanwhile, chants of “USA” continue to break out inside the arena at the actual game in Milan.

Jermaine Wilson, CP24.com & CTVNewsToronto.ca

U.S. kills 5-on-3 penalty kill

Canada had a two-man advantage for 1:32 after U.S. forward Jake Guentzel and defenseman Charlie McAvoy get called for minor penalties midway through the second period.

However, despite multiple chances from the Canadian power play, the U.S. were able to kill both penalties and the score remains 1-0.

Hunter Crowther, CTVNews.ca journalist

Two teams exchange chances, remains 1-0 U.S.

Both teams come out of the gates flying. Canada is peppering U.S. goaltender Connor Hellebuyck with shots, including a breakaway opportunity from Connor McDavid, but they’re unable to capitalize.

On the other side of the ice, the U.S. fire a barrage of shots on Canadian netminder Jordan Binnington, but he keeps the puck out to keep it 1-0.

Hunter Crowther, CTVNews.ca journalist

Second period underway

The puck has dropped for the second period between Canada and the U.S.

Hunter Crowther, CTVNews.ca journalist

Canada kills penalty, U.S. hold lead after one

Despite a hooking call against Canadian defenseman Shea Theodore late in the period, Canada killed off the penalty and the scores remains 1-0 after the first.

Canada outshot the Americans 8-7 in the opening frame.

Hunter Crowther, CTVNews.ca journalist

Nervous energy inside Scotiabank Arena after U.S. scores

TORONTO – CP24’s Melissa Duggan says there is “nervous energy” inside Scotiabank Arena after Team USA struck first in the gold-medal game.

Still, fans remain confident.

“We’ve done it before. Quarterfinal, semis, Canada’s come back from goals down. We can do it again. It’s no big deal,” one person told CP24.

Another added, “We’re down right now, but we’ve got more shots on goal, so I think we can pull it off.”

Duggan says anytime it looks like Canada has possession, the crowd gets loud and energized — with a noticeable boost from the long coffee lineups earlier in the morning.

Jermaine Wilson, CP24.com & CTVNewsToronto.ca journalist

Boldy opens scoring, U.S. takes 1-0 lead

Six minutes into the first period, United States’ forward Matt Boldy split the top Canadian defensive pair of Cale Makar and Devon Toews and put one between the legs of Jordan Binnington to give the U.S. a 1-0 lead.

Hunter Crowther, CTVNews.ca journalist

Gold-medal game is underway

The puck has dropped between Canada and the United States in the gold-medal game for men’s hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Hunter Crowther, CTVNews.ca journalist

Crosby won’t play in gold medal game: reports

TSN hockey reporter Pierre LeBrun reported Sunday morning that Team Canada captain Sidney Crosby will not play in the gold medal game against the United States.

Crosby left Wednesday’s quarterfinal matchup against Czechia in the second period with a lower-body injury and did not return, then kept out of the lineup against Finland for the semifinals.

Hunter Crowther, CTVNews.ca journalist

Canada announces lineup vs. U.S.

Hockey Canada released its official lineup ahead of Sunday’s gold-medal game against the United States.

With Crosby officially ruled out, Nick Suzuki will centre a line between Mitch Marner and Mark Stone, as he did in the semifinals vs. Finland.

Goaltender Jordan Binnington gets the start in net.

Defenseman Josh Morrissey remains out of the lineup, as he’s dealt with an undisclosed injury suffered during the first period of Canada’s opening game against Czechia on Feb. 12.

Hunter Crowther, CTVNews.ca journalist

U.S. announces lineup vs. Canada

USA Hockey announced their lineup one hour before puck drop, with no changes from their previous medal-round matchups.

Jack Eichel will centre the top line with Brady and Matthew Tkachuk. Team USA captain Auston Matthews anchors the second line with Jake Guentzel and Matt Boldy.

The U.S. blueline will be led by Quinn Hughes and Jaccob Slavin.

Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck gets the start in net.

Coffee lines and light snow at Scotiabank Arena

TORONTO – In a social media post, CP24’s Melissa Duggan shared video of fans lining up for coffee at Tim Hortons inside Scotiabank Arena ahead of puck drop.

“Lining up for coffee at Tim Hortons inside Scotiabank Arena ahead of the gold-medal hockey game,” she wrote, adding that there was also light snow falling outside.

Jermaine Wilson, CP24.com & CTVNewsToronto.ca journalist

Fans rise early across Canada for gold-medal game

Canadian hockey fans are setting alarms early as the men’s team plays for Olympic gold this morning at the Milano Cortina Games.

In St. John’s, puck drop is at 9:40 a.m. local time, and Newfoundland Embassy plans to open despite a winter storm in the forecast.

In Toronto, fans can watch inside Scotiabank Arena, where doors open at 7 a.m. ET. Tickets are $15, with proceeds going to MLSE Foundation.

Across the country, beer taps are also starting early. Bars in Ontario and Alberta can begin serving at 6 a.m., Manitoba at 5 a.m., and some pubs in British Columbia — granted exemptions — as early as 4:30 a.m. local time.

Here’s just some of the places Canadians will swap their pyjamas for a Canada sweater.

• Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge
• Winnipeg
• Regina
• Vancouver

The Canadian Press

Fans fill Scotiabank Arena for gold-medal watch party

TORONTO – CP24’s Melissa Duggan is speaking to fans as they trickle into Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena for a massive gold-medal watch party inside the venue.

One fan told CP24, “it’s awesome, especially against the U.S. with everything that’s going on… and it’s just hockey Canada’s game, Say what you want Trump, but it’s our game.”

Another said, “Hockey has always been mine and my dad’s thing. It’s always been something we’ve always done together… something that him and I can do together and enjoy."

Despite the early start, Duggan says she’s hearing there will be breakfast concessions available for fans settling in for the morning puck drop.

Jermaine Wilson, CP24.com & CTVNewsToronto.ca journalist

History of Canada-U.S. Olympic matchups

This is the sixth meeting between Canada and the United States in men’s hockey involving NHL players at the Olympics. It’s also the third gold-medal game involving the two teams, following Salt Lake City 2002 and Vancouver 2010.

Here’s a full look at the previous results:

• 1998 – NAGANO, Japan: Canada defeats U.S. 4-1
• 2002 – SALT LAKE CITY, Utah: Canada defeats U.S. 5-2 (Gold-medal game)
• 2010 – Vancouver, B.C.: U.S. defeats Canada 5-3 (Preliminary round)
• 2010 – Vancouver, B.C.: Canada defeats U.S. 3-2 in OT (Gold-medal game)
• 2014 – Sochi, Russia: Canada defeats U.S. 1-0 (Semifinals)

Hunter Crowther, CTVNews.ca journalist

How we got here

It’s all come down to this: Canada and the United States will face off in the gold-medal game for men’s ice hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

Canada cruised through the preliminary round, defeating Czechia, Switzerland and France by a combined score of 20-3. In their quarterfinal game, a rematch against the Czechs, Mitch Marner scored in overtime to give Canada a 4-3 victory. In the semifinals, Canada climbed back from a 2-0 deficit and Nathan MacKinnon one-timed a Connor McDavid pass with 35 seconds left to give Canada a 3-2 win and a spot in the gold medal game.

• Canada eliminates Czechia in OT, will face Finland in Olympic semifinal
• Canada storms back from 2-0 deficit to beat Finland, will face U.S. in gold medal final

As for the U.S., they defeated Latvia, Denmark and Germany by a combined score of 16-5. The Americans faced Sweden in the quarterfinals, and like Canada, needed overtime to get the win, as Quinn Hughes scored to advance. They defeated Slovakia 6-2 in the semifinals and clinched their first berth in the gold medal game since 2010.