Monday, February 23, 2026

OLYMPIC GOLD FOR #BUSA!!

 

    

Forty-six years to the day when the Mike Eruzione-led US Olympic Hockey Team completed its "miracle" in Lake Placid, Team USA claimed the 2026 Olympic gold medal with a thrilling 2-1 overtime win over Canada. NJ Devils center Jack Hughes, who had two teeth knocked out earlier in the game, provided the "Golden Goal."

“There is no better feeling in the world,” said U.S. defenseman Charlie McAvoy, who made a huge third period save in 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 was hugging, where I was going.

“It was just euphoria, man. I can’t even explain what I was feeling. Just pure joy.”

Scroll down for game recaps and highlights. 

Of the 22 U.S. players who dressed for the gold-medal game, five were the Terriers pictured above. Four others--Matt Boldy, Noah Hanifin, Tage Thompson and Connor Hellebuyck--gave Hockey East a total of nine. 

Jack Eichel, who centered the top U.S. line with Brady Tkachuk and Matt Tkachuk, joins Neal Broten as the only player to have won the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, a Stanley Cup and an Olympic Gold Medal.

Terriers have been represented on each of the three U.S. Gold Medal Teams.  

For Team USA, Eichel had six points (2G,4A) and Tkachuk had five (3G,2A). Charlie McAvoy, who skated on the top defensive pair, was scoreless as was Clayton Keller. Jake Oettinger served as back-up goalie to Connor Hellebuyck. 

"This just means so much to all of us and USA Hockey," Eichel said. "There's just so much pride in wearing this jersey and being able to do something special and create our own story here. It's been a long time since USA Hockey was on top of the hockey world, so we're really proud of this moment, and I just can't say enough about the group." 

Tkachuk speaking after the game: “We're just blessed, grateful for this opportunity. 1980 set up a next generation. The 1996 World Cup set up our generation. We just won and we're going to hopefully create some more superstars that want to play. Not just hockey, but we want to represent the United States of America. This is one of the greatest feelings that I've ever had. To do it alongside my brother is so special.” 

Head Coach Mike Sullivan, who captained BU's 1990 national finalist squad, adds the Olympic gold medal to his resume, which 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 was named to the tournament all-star team. Skating on Canada's top line, he was the tournament's second leading 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 twice nearly put his team ahead in the final minutes of regulation.   

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A blast from the past: Keller and McAvoy at the 2017 NCAA Regional and 2026 Olympics.   

Three of BU's four Hobey Baker Award winners—Drury, Eichel and Celebrini—were 2026 Olympians.  

 Game Recaps

● NHL.com Jack Hughes scores in OT, Team USA wins Olympic gold medal game against Canada

● ESPN.com Jack Hughes, Connor Hellebuyck lift U.S. to Olympic hockey gold

● The Athletic USA wins Olympic gold in thrilling men’s hockey final against Canada (subscription) 

● USA Hockey GOLDEN: U.S. Men Win Olympic Gold With 2-1 Overtime Victory Over Canada 

● NBCOlympics.com Full-game replay and highlights 

● USA Men's Hockey Gold Medal press conference 

Looking ahead

2027 recruit Carter Meyer scored a pair of goals for the NTDP U18s in a 9-4 loss to Lindenwood University. 2027 recruit Jamie Glance had an assist for Team USA.

McKeen's Hockey posted a detailed draft profile of 2026 or 2027 recruit Egor Shilov. The 6'1" center, who leads all QMJHL rookies with 70 points (28G,42A), was ranked #17 among North American skaters in the NHL Central Scouting midterms. He's projected 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 chances through anticipation, deception and creativity. He’s a true play driver that can dictate the flow of the game and a facilitator who can be trusted in all situations. He’s also got 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 present some serious challenges at the professional level. That said, his tools are too compelling to ignore.  

He’ll likely need a couple years to work on those issues and build better habits, but playing in the NCAA next season should definitely help as he’s committed to Boston University. 

 

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