The men’s ice hockey final at the 2026 Milano-Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Olympics, dubbed the Tariff Derby, lived up to its hype as the U.S. clinched gold by defeating Canada.
On February 22, at the Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, Italy, Team USA edged out Canada 2-1 in a thrilling overtime victory. Jack Hughes sealed the deal with a golden goal just 1:41 into the extra period.
This triumph marks the U.S. men’s first Olympic ice hockey gold in 46 years, their last coming at the 1980 Lake Placid Games. The victory was especially sweet for the Americans, who had already seen their women’s team defeat Canada for gold earlier in the tournament.
Canada, despite fielding a star-studded lineup of National Hockey League (NHL) talent in their Dream Team, fell short once again. This loss extends Canada’s gold medal drought in men’s ice hockey to three straight Olympics, following a bronze in 2018 Pyeongchang and a disappointing 6th place finish in 2022 Beijing.
The sting of Canada’s defeat is amplified by the current political climate between the two North American neighbors.
Since Donald Trump’s presidency, U.S.-Canada relations have been strained over tariff disputes. The U.S. has maintained high tariffs of 25-50% on Canadian steel, while Canada has prepared retaliatory measures of 25% tariffs.
Tensions escalated last year when President Trump referred to Canada as the 51st state, further widening the rift and lending the Tariff Derby moniker to this high-stakes ice hockey showdown.
For Canada, long considered an ice hockey powerhouse, losing both the women’s and men’s finals to the U.S. is a significant blow to national pride.
This final was the only event designated as a High Demand Event during the Winter Olympics.
Such classification is reserved for events attracting exceptional media interest, requiring pre-registration for coverage. Apart from the opening and closing ceremonies, the U.S.-Canada ice hockey final was the sole event to receive this designation.
The atmosphere was electric as the 16,000-seat Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena filled to capacity, with fans from both sides engaging in passionate chants of USA and Canada before the puck drop.
Unlike last February’s matchup, which saw three brawls in the first nine seconds, this game remained relatively civil. Officials, more proactive than in typical NHL games, quickly defused potential flare-ups in the first and second periods.
The game showcased Canada’s offensive firepower against America’s stalwart defense. Canada’s lineup boasted offensive stars like Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Macklin Celebrini, and Brandon Hagel, while the U.S. relied on NHL’s top goaltender, Connor Hellebuyck, to anchor their defense.
Despite Canada’s early pressure, the U.S. struck first. Six minutes into the opening period, Matt Boldy capitalized on a Canadian turnover, rifling home the game’s first goal.
Canada peppered the U.S. net but Hellebuyck stood tall. Even a 5-on-3 power play midway through the second period couldn’t crack the American netminder.
With just 1:44 left in the second, defenseman Cale Makar finally broke through for Canada, joining the rush and firing home the equalizer.
The third period remained deadlocked, with Canada’s Dream Team unable to capitalize on their chances, including a golden opportunity for MacKinnon. As regulation time expired, the stage was set for overtime drama.
In the 3-on-3 overtime, it took just 1:41 for the U.S. to clinch victory. A crisp passing play on the counterattack led to Hughes’ championship-winning shot.
American players erupted in celebration, tossing helmets and embracing on the ice, while their Canadian counterparts stood in stunned disbelief.