Canada suffers gold medal game heartbreak to USA in Olympic women's hockey
The Canadian women’s hockey team fought right until the end, but weren’t able to get the result they had hoped.
After a 5-0 loss to the U.S. earlier in the Olympics, Canada was able to come out much stronger in this outing, and even held a 1-0 lead thanks to a short-handed second-period goal from Kristin O’Neill.
Canada held onto that lead for the vast majority of the game and appeared to be headed for their sixth gold medal win over their last seven opportunities. Unfortunately, things took a drastic turn late.
With roughly two minutes remaining in the third period, USA captain Hilary Knight deflected home a point shot to tie things up at one apiece.
Because would it really be a Canada vs US final if it didnât go into OTđ« đ pic.twitter.com/Z2sW3Q3uFi
— CBC Olympics (@CBCOlympics) February 19, 2026
Overtime came up next, and after some back-and-forth action, it was Megan Keller who was able to dance her way in alone before beating Ann-Renée Desbiens on a nifty backhand.
Just an absolutely ELECTRIC ending to gold medal match for Womenâs Hockey.
USA with a goal just at 2-minutes of the third period to send it to OT and then a BEAUTIFUL deke and goal from Megan Keller.
What a game
— J.D. Andress (@Jdandress11) February 19, 2026
Though the end result is a disappointing one, it was an admirable effort for the Canadian team, who were considered major underdogs coming into this gold medal final.
“I think tonight was our best game which is exactly what you’re hoping for at the Olympics,” said Canadian forward Blayre Turnbull. “Obviously, the result is not at all what we wanted, but I’m really proud of how we showed up and how we played.”
Despite the disappointing result, these women have helped add to Canada’s medal count at Milano Cortina 2026. With silver secured, Canada has now won 16 medals overall, four of which are gold.