President Donald Trump took to social media on Sunday to congratulate the U.S. men’s ice hockey team for a nail-biting win over Canada for the gold medal in the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics.
Trump crowed about the win, posting “WHAT A GAME!!!” and “Congratulations to our great U.S. A. Ice Hockey team. THEY WON THE GOLD. WOW!”
The United States ended a nearly half-century wait for Olympic men’s ice hockey gold with a 2–1 overtime victory against Canada in a thrilling final on Sunday, with Jack Hughes delivering their third title and first since 1980 with the winning shot.
The White House X account posted an image of an American bald eagle stepping on the neck of a Canada goose and U.S. coach Mike Sullivan said Trump called to congratulate the team after the game.
"This game in a lot of ways was an inspiration to our country," said Sullivan.
The players held up a jersey honoring the late Johnny Gaudreau after the win in an emotional tribute to the Columbus Blue Jackets winger who played for the United States. He died alongside his brother, Matthew, when they were hit by a vehicle in 2024.
"Just a subtle reminder that him, his brother, that they're kind of with us in spirit," said captain Auston Matthews.