Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin Lead Team USA to Gold at 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympic Games
The NHL returned to the Olympics following a 12-year hiatus, and it did not disappoint. The gold medal game, on Sunday, Feb. 22, featured a league-high five Golden Knights, including Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin for Team USA and Mitch Marner, Mark Stone and Shea Theodore for Team Canada.
After a 1-1 stalemate through 60 minutes, the game entered 3-on-3 overtime, giving someone the chance for a golden goal. Jack Hughes, of the New Jersey Devils, netted the winner to give USA a 2-1 win and their first gold medal in 46 years.
Jack Eichel led the group of forwards for USA in time on ice with 20:14, tossed three shots on net, and also led the team in the face-off circle, going 6-of-10 (60%). Eichel became just the second player in the history of the sport to win a Hobey Baker Award (2015), a Stanley Cup (2023), and an Olympic Gold Medal (2026), joining Neal Broten, who was a part of the 1980 Miracle on Ice for Team USA.
VGK’s Canadian representatives won’t come home empty-handed, as Marner, Theodore, Stone and Coach Bruce Cassidy will join Team USA bringing hardware home from Italy.
Congratulations to all nine VGK Olympians on an incredible tournament!
By Kevin Kelly
