Team USA won Olympic gold over Canada on Sunday, Feb. 22, marking a historic triumph that was 46 years in the making. The last time the men’s hockey team reigned victorious was at the famed “Miracle on Ice” in 1980 when they defeated the Soviet Union 4-3, in Lake Placid, New York.
This time, Team USA took home the gold medal against The Great White North at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, going into a 3-on-3 overtime for a 2-1 win against their bitter rival.
JACK HUGHES DELIVERS AMERICA'S GOLDEN MOMENT IN OVERTIME. pic.twitter.com/4foFDOri53
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 22, 2026
USA Goalie Connor Hellebuyck delivered an incredible performance. He stopped 41 shots to keep both teams tied, as Canada kept its momentum throughout the game. But it was Jack Hughes, who scored the winning goal to secure Team USA’s success, as seen in the X post above.
The Team Celebrated Their Win in the Locker Room
He didn’t claim the epic victory without losing his front two teeth, though — a moment that saw him taking a hockey stick to the mouth during the third period of the game. Despite losing those pearly whites, all members of Team USA celebrated their historic win, showing off their American pride in the locker room post-game.
They Sang Along to Toby Keith’s ‘Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue’
Making their moment even more memorable, the teammates kicked the party into high gear by blasting Toby Keith’s iconic patriotic 2002 hit, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American).” A video shared on X by Team USA alternate captain Charlie McAvoy showcases the group still dressed in their jersey as they sing along to the lyrics of the iconic country classic while sporting gold medals around their necks.
Oh they are having A TIME pic.twitter.com/VZ2RZIZjis
— alicia (@LeeshaMae31) February 22, 2026
“I love my country 🇺🇸🇺🇸,” Hughes also captioned a post on his Instagram page, in celebration of the victory.
View this post on Instagram
The Team Paid Tribute to Fallen NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau
One person missing from the celebration was fallen NHL team member Johnny Gaudreau. He was tragically killed in 2024 by an alleged drunk driver. Before taking to the locker room, Team USA members made a point to honor Gaudreau, bringing him into the heart of the festivities by skating around their beloved friend and teammate’s No. 13 jersey.
Johnny and Meredith Gaudreau's children and Dad's sweater.
Good Lord, I'm a puddle. pic.twitter.com/exvV6eOiuH— BucciOT.Com (@Buccigross) February 22, 2026
Gaudreau’s kids, daughter Noa, 3, and sonJohnny Jr., 2, were also brought down to the ice to remember their late father with Team USA.
Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)” belongs on his eighth studio album, Unleashed.
Related: ‘90s Country Icon Toby Keith Reaches Major Career Milestone With Two Songs Decades After Their Release
