The U.S. women’s hockey team has been hailed as the finest in the sport’s history following their electrifying overtime victory against Canada in the Olympic finals on Thursday. This accolade comes from none other than a gold medalist herself.
“In my opinion, this is the best women’s hockey team ever,” stated Kelly Pannek, highlighting the Americans’ tenacity and resilience when faced with their most formidable opponents.
Pannek expressed her views on what it means to be a champion, saying, “We anticipated their response, knowing they would challenge us. They truly did give us everything they had.”
Another team member, Knight, praised the squad’s determination, noting, “This team never gives up. We’re always prepared to battle. It’s a testament to our preparation and the strong bond we share, which helped us clinch victory when it mattered most.”
In what would be her fifth and final Olympic appearance, Knight played a pivotal role by redirecting Laila Edwards’ shot with just 2:04 left in regulation, forcing the game into overtime. This goal was especially significant, marking her 15th goal and 33rd point in her Olympic career, both U.S. records.
Megan Keller #5 and Aerin Frankel of Team USA react with their gold medals after the win
Kelly Pannek (right) believes this American team is the best women’s hockey has ever seen
Donald Trump’s White House reacted on X after Team USA’s overtime win against Canada
In overtime, with both teams playing a 3-on-3 format, the arena echoed with chants of ‘USA!’ and ‘Ca-na-da!’. Keller clinched the dramatic win 4:07 into overtime with a skillful backhand maneuver, outpacing Claire Thompson and scoring past Ann-Renee Desbiens. The goal ignited a jubilant and tear-filled celebration among the players.
‘I’m lost for words,’ Keller said. ‘This is an incredible feeling. I love these girls so much. This group deserves it. Just the effort and the faith that we kept through this four-year journey is something very special.’
Keller’s 3-on-3 goal 4:07 into overtime was a highlight-reel masterpiece from start to finish.
It started with a perfect, nearly 100-foot outlet pass from Taylor Heise behind her own goal line to Keller just past the center red line.
‘Meg was flying up the ice,’ Heise said. ‘She was calling for the puck and I kind of wanted to change, so I chucked it up to her.’
Keller did the rest. With the puck on her forehand, she went backhand to completely deke out defender Claire Thompson.
‘When she get the puck, I was like, `I know where she´s going to score that,´ and she did,’ said Switzerland’s Alina Muller, a teammate of Keller’s in the PWHL with Boston who scored her country’s bronze-winning goal earlier in the day. ‘Pretty sick move for a defenseman.’
The euphoric mood spanned from Milan to President Donald Trump’s White House.
‘WE ARE SO BACK,’ read an X post from the Trump administration. ‘RED, WHITE, & BLUE RUNNING THROUGH OUR VEINS.’
Thursday’s thrilling victory marked the third Olympic gold for Team USA in women’s hockey
Team Canada held a 1-0 lead until the final minutes of the third period on Thursday in Milan
Team USA has now won three Olympic gold medals and eight straight games against Canada
Frankel stopped 30 shots, surrendering a single short-handed goal to Canada’s Kristin O’Neill early in the second period.
Canada pushed the U.S. to the brink just nine days after it was beaten 5-0 by the Americans in the preliminary round.
O’Neill’s goal 54 seconds into the second period ended the Americans’ shutout streak of 5 hours, 52 minutes and 17 seconds, dating to the second period of a 5-1 opening win over Czechia. The U.S. had not trailed in the tournament.
‘We went through ups and downs,’ Canadian captain Marie-Philip Poulin said. ‘Just letting them know this does not define them. I’m proud of them. They showed up. Sadly lost in overtime but keep their head high because it’s truly an honor to be on their side.’
Team USA stars Laila Edwards and Caroline Harvey show off their new gold medals
A fierce rivalry that began with the U.S. beating Canada to win gold at the 1998 Nagano Games — the first to feature women’s hockey — continued living up to its billing.
The U.S. also won gold in 2018 in Pyeongchang, while Canada has won the other five gold medals, and settled for its third silver.
Thursday’s final thrilled fans, including tennis legend Billie Jean King.
These athletes gave us everything to cheer for today,’ she wrote on X. ‘Congratulations once again to Team USA on an unforgettable Gold Medal win, and to Team Canada on a hard-fought game.
‘Let’s keep supporting these terrific athletes as the Professional Women’s Hockey League resumes play in March.
