Trump hails USA hockey heroes after golden overtime win in Milan
President Donald Trump celebrated Team USA’s thrilling Olympic triumph on Thursday night, applauding the women’s hockey team after it defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime to secure gold in Milan.
According to the Associated Press, the United States captured its third Olympic title in women’s hockey when defender Megan Keller scored 4:07 into sudden death, capping a comeback sealed moments earlier by veteran forward Hilary Knight.
In a post on social media, Trump congratulated the team and called the victory “a tremendous win for America,” praising what he described as the players’ determination and competitive spirit.
The final once again showcased the intensity of the long-running rivalry between the United States and Canada, a matchup that has defined the sport since women’s hockey debuted at the 1998 Nagano Games.
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Trump praises resilience and resolve
The president highlighted the team’s late rally as emblematic of American grit. According to the Associated Press game report, Knight forced overtime with 2:04 remaining in regulation, redirecting a shot from Laila Edwards while goaltender Aerin Frankel was pulled for an extra attacker.
“This team's got so much resolve. Never quit. Always ready to fight and go to battle,” Knight said after the game. “It's just a testament to the preparation of our group and the love that we have in that room, and the way we found a way to get the job done at the end of the night.”
Trump’s remarks focused on that resilience, noting the team had battled back against a Canadian side that led 1-0 for much of the contest.
Overtime drama draws national attention
In three-on-three overtime, Keller carried the puck down the left wing and beat Canadian goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens with a backhand finish, according to the Associated Press. The goal sparked celebrations on the ice and reactions across the United States.
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“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.”
Frankel made 30 saves in the victory, while Desbiens stopped 31 shots in defeat, the Associated Press reported.
A victory with political and sporting symbolism
The United States has now won three Olympic gold medals in women’s hockey and extended its winning streak over Canada to eight games, according to the Associated Press. Canada remains the most decorated program in the sport, with five Olympic titles and three silver medals.
Trump framed the result as a proud moment for the country, emphasizing the symbolic weight of a win over a historic rival on the Olympic stage.
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For the players, the focus remained on the achievement itself. But at home, the dramatic finish quickly became part of a broader national celebration, amplified by the president’s praise and the spotlight that follows an Olympic gold.
Sources: Associated Press, Daily Mail
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