OLYMPICS: Ice hockey-United States earn gold, revenge in OT win over Canada

MILAN – The United States savored sweet revenge as they came from behind to beat defending champions Canada 2-1 in an overtime thriller to win gold in women’s ice hockey at the Milano Cortina Olympics on Thursday.

Megan Keller scored the game-winning goal, dethroning their archrivals in a dramatic finish that sent waves of celebration through the Santagiulia Arena.

Trailing late in the third period, the U.S. looked set for disappointment after losing to Canada four years ago. But captain Hilary Knight stepped up in her fifth and final Olympics, tying the game and sending it into a three-on-three sudden-death overtime. Keller then maneuvered around defender Claire Thompson and slid the puck past the Canadian goalie, securing a third Olympic gold for the U.S. women.

The game added another memorable chapter to one of the sport’s greatest rivalries, with fans in the stands chanting “Canada!” and “USA!” from puck drop to final buzzer.

“I was just trying to make a move, take a chance. I was trying to win, not play to not lose. That’s what we talked about in the locker room,” said Keller. “In my view, this is the best hockey team the world has ever seen.”

Rookie-to-Knight Sends Game to Overtime

The Americans entered the final as favorites after a 5-0 group-stage win over Canada, but Canadian goalie Ann-Renee Desbiens kept the first period scoreless with a stellar performance.

The breakthrough came on a shorthanded goal by Kristin O’Neill, assisted by Laura Stacey, putting Canada ahead for the first time in the tournament. The U.S. tied it late in regulation when Knight redirected a shot from rookie Laila Edwards, breaking the all-time U.S. women’s Olympic goal record in the process.

“She’s been a part of every historic moment since she joined the team. For her to get that goal was obviously most important for our team but also a huge honor for her to break that record,” said Kelly Pannek, Knight’s 2018 gold medal teammate.

In overtime, Keller’s decisive goal came just over four minutes in, completing the comeback. U.S. goalie Aerin Frankel made 30 saves on 31 shots to secure the victory.

With coach John Wroblewski in tears behind the bench, the American team celebrated as Canadian fans watched on, marking Canada’s eighth straight loss to the U.S. in women’s Olympic hockey.

Red, White, and the Canadian Blues

Canada had long dominated the rivalry with five Olympic golds. However, the U.S. team entered Milan with momentum, having won the world championship last year and swept Canada in the Rivalry Series. Thursday’s victory showcased the rising talent of American youth over Canadian experience, with several players yet to turn professional.

This marked the U.S. women’s seventh Olympic championship appearance since the sport was added to the Games in 1998. Earlier on Thursday, Switzerland captured the bronze medal with a 2-1 overtime win over Sweden.

-Reporting by Trevor Stynes and Amy Tennery in Milan; additional reporting by Giulio Piovaccari and Janina Nuno Rios; Editing by Bill Berkrot/Reuters