The United States won its first gold medal game since the Miracle on Ice in 1980 thanks to an overtime winner from American hero Jack Hughes, who lost several teeth after taking a high stick earlier in the contest.
“This is all about our country right now,” Hughes said. I love the USA. I love my teammates. It’s unbelievable. The USA Hockey brotherhood is so strong … I can’t even believe this. I mean, it’s such an unbelievable game, USA-Canada. Such a good game. There’s so many great players. We’re a great team. That’s exactly how we wanted it to go. We’re underdogs to Canada, [but we] beat them. It could have gone either way.”
The United States needed stellar goaltending from Connor Hellebuyck who delivered with 41 saves on 42 shots and kept Team USA in the game against mounting odds.
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After winning a gold medal and losing a few teeth, Hughes celebrated the win with the American flag draped over his shoulders, creating an iconic photo that immediately went viral on social media.
“Jack Hughes has his iconic photo,” said ESPN star John Buccigross.
“Don’t put it in the Louvre. Put it in the Smithsonian,” said a second about the instantly iconic photo before another added, “Hang this in every classroom in America.”
The United States got its revenge on Canada after losing to its rival up North in the 4 Nations tournament in 2025.
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