MILAN — Jack Hughes' overtime goal against Canada gave the United States its first Olympic gold medal in men's hockey since 1980 — and on the 46th anniversary of the '' Miracle on Ice '' no less.
Hughes, who had lost a tooth or two from a high stick during the game, scored off a pass from Zach Werenski early into 3-on-3 overtime to clinch a 2-1 victory Sunday.
''It doesn't matter about the goal. Just an unbelievable team, unbelievable team win,'' Hughes said. "We're just so proud to win for our country.
''The best experiences I have are playing for my country, playing to break the golden drought with this group of guys and for us to win gold here at the Olympics, just an unbelievable moment," he added.
There was a hint of sadness amid the joy as Werenski and Matthew Tkachuk carried a Johnny Gaudreau No. 13 jersey around the ice in tribute to the beloved player who died in August 2024 along with his brother when they were struck by an SUV while riding bicycles.
The Americans' victory Sunday was their 12th gold of the Milan Cortina Games. The US women's hockey team had also won gold — also in a 2-1 overtime victory over Canada in the final.
Norway topped the final medal count with 18 golds and 41 medals overall — best in both categories.
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