Forty-six years from the day the Mike EruzioneLed by the US Olympic hockey team completed its ‘miracle’ in Lake Placid, Team USA claimed the 2026 Olympic gold medal with a thrilling 2-1 victory in extra time over Canada. NJ Devils center Jack Hughes, who had two teeth knocked out earlier in the game, scored the “Golden Goal”.
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THE GOAL HEARD AROUND THE WORLD 🥇🥇 #WINTEROLYMPIC pic.twitter.com/Y61845Duua
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 22, 2026
“There is no better feeling in the world,” said the American defender Charlie McAvoywho made a huge third period save at the crease (video). “This is that. I can’t wait to see the footage of what happened after we scored because it was a complete blackout, who I hugged, where I went.”
“It was just euphoria, man. I can’t even explain what I felt. Just pure joy.”
Scroll down for game recaps and highlights.
Of the 22 American players dressed for the gold medal game, five were the Terriers pictured above. Four others–Matt Boldy, Noah Hanifin, Take Thompson And Connor Hellebuyck–gave Hockey East a total of nine.
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The thrill of victory.#OlympiansMadeHere pic.twitter.com/lPi0l1BUn0
— BU Men’s Hockey (@TerrierHockey) February 22, 2026
Jack Eichelwhich centered the upper American line Brady Tkachuk and Matt Tkachuk, joins Neal Broten as the only player to win the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, a Stanley Cup and an Olympic gold medal.
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WHAT. A PHOTO. 📸 #MilanoCortina2026 #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/KmA0whygMi
— NHL (@NHL) February 22, 2026
Terriers are represented on each of the three U.S. Gold Medal teams.
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Only one other school has more men’s ice hockey gold medalists than BU: Minnesota with 14, the next closest is North Dakota with 6 https://t.co/WeyTjLz6G5
— BU Hockey Stats (@BUHockeyStats) February 22, 2026
For Team USA, Eichel had six points (2G,4A) and Tkachuk five (3G,2A). Charlie McAvoywho skated on the best defensive pair was already scoreless Clayton Keller. Jake Oettinger served as backup goaltender to Connor Hellebuyck.
“This just means so much to all of us and to USA Hockey,” Eichel said. “There’s so much pride in wearing this jersey and the fact that we can do something special and create our own story here. It’s been a long time since USA Hockey has been at the top of the hockey world, so we’re very proud of this moment, and I just can’t say enough about the group.”
Speaking after the game, Tkachuk said: “We’re just blessed and grateful for this opportunity. 1980 created the next generation. The 1996 World Cup shaped our generation. We just won and we’re going to hopefully create even more superstars who want to play. Not just hockey, but we want to represent the United States of America. This is one of the greatest feelings I’ve ever had. To do this with my brother is so special.”
Head Coach Mike Sullivanwho captained BU’s national finalist team in 1990, adds the Olympic gold medal to his resume, which also includes the two Stanley Cups the Penguins won with him behind the bench. Sullivan’s staff included former BU head coach David Quinn and Minnesota Wild Head Coach John Hynes. Team management included assistant GM Chris Drury and director of player personnel Chris Kelleher.
Macklin Celebrini takes home a silver medal and is named to the tournament all-star team. Skating on Canada’s top line, he was the tournament’s second top scorer with 10 points and tied for most goals with five. In the final, the 2024 Hobey Baker Award winner had six of Canada’s 42 shots and nearly put his team ahead twice in the final minutes of regulation.
A blast from the past: Keller and McAvoy at the 2017 NCAA Regional Games and 2026 Olympic Games.
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pic.twitter.com/XzwCoM3TLB
— BU Hockey Stats (@BUHockeyStats) February 22, 2026
Three of BU’s four Hobey Baker Award winners—Drury, Eichel and Celebrini—were 2026 Olympians.
Game Reviews
● NHL.com Jack Hughes scores in OT, Team USA wins Olympic gold medal game against Canada
● ESPN.com Jack Hughes and Connor Hellebuyck lift the US to Olympic hockey gold
● The Athletics USA wins Olympic gold in exciting men’s hockey final against Canada (subscription)
● American hockey GOLDEN: US men win Olympic gold with 2-1 win over Canada
● NBCOlympics.com Full game replay and highlights
● US men’s hockey gold medal press conference
Looking ahead
2027 recruit Carter Meijer scored a pair of goals for the NTDP U18s in a 9-4 loss to Lindenwood University. 2027 recruit Jamie look had an assist for Team USA.
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Let’s not forget Zajic’s smart moves before Meyer scored his second!#USAvsLU pic.twitter.com/izNCwDjpcF
— USA Hockey NTDP (@USAHockeyNTDP) February 22, 2026
McKeen’s Hockey posted one detailed design profile from 2026 or 2027 recruit Egor Shilov. The 6’1″ center, who leads all QMJHL rookies with 70 points (28G,42A), was ranked 17th among North American skaters in the interim NHL Central Scouting. He is expected to be a late first-round pick in June’s NHL Entry draft.
Shilov profiles as a cerebral and versatile center with elite vision and high-end puck skills. He excels at supporting possession, manipulating defenders and creating high-quality scoring opportunities through anticipation, deception and creativity. He is a true game master who can dictate the flow of the game and a facilitator who can be trusted in all situations. He also has decent size and thrives on faceoffs. The only concern in his game is his tendency to slow the pace and avoid physical play, which could pose serious challenges at the professional level. That said, its tools are too compelling to ignore.
He will likely need a few years to work on these issues and build better habits, but playing in the NCAA next season should certainly help as he is committed to Boston University.
#OLYMPIC #GOLD #BUSA