Donald Trump salutes Team USA after historic Olympic hockey win
MILAN, ITALY: Donald Trump took to Truth Social on Sunday, February 22, to celebrate the United States men’s ice hockey team following their dramatic 2-1 overtime victory against Canada.
The triumph at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games marks a historic milestone for the program, ending a gold-medal drought in the men's event that has lasted since the 1980 "Miracle on Ice." Congratulations to our great U.S.A. Ice Hockey team. THEY WON THE GOLD. WOW!" President Trump wrote in a post shared shortly after the final whistle. In a subsequent message, the President expressed his excitement over the close contest, adding, "WHAT A GAME!!!."
Overtime heroics end decades-long drought
The gold-medal contest reached its decisive moment less than two minutes into overtime, when Jack Hughes netted the game-winning goal to secure the 2-1 victory. The triumph marks the first time the United States has captured Olympic gold in men's ice hockey since National Hockey League players were first permitted to participate in the Winter Olympics in 1998, underscoring the significance of the achievement for the program.
"This is all about our country right now. I love the USA... We're so proud to be Americans."
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 22, 2026
— Jack Hughes, @usahockey 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/XI9tcdKein
While Team USA celebrated the win, Canadian forward Connor McDavid was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player after setting a record for scoring in NHL-participatory tournaments with 13 points. For the United States, netminder Connor Hellebuyck was awarded Best Goalkeeper, and Quinn Hughes was named Best Defender, both contributing to the historic performance praised by the President.
Crosby sidelined for final gold-medal showdown
The high-stakes contest unfolded without Team Canada captain Sidney Crosby, who told reporters he was sidelined by a lower-body injury sustained in the quarterfinals. Crosby acknowledged that watching from the bench was difficult but said he believed the Canadian team performed well despite the narrow overtime loss.
The President's enthusiastic reaction mirrored the national sentiment following the first US victory over Canada in a gold-medal game since the open-roster era began. As Team USA prepares to leave Milan, the victory stands as a signature achievement for American winter sports, recognized at the highest levels of government.
