U.S. Hockey Teams with Boston Ties Win Gold Medals
The United States men's and women's hockey teams both secured gold medals in their respective tournaments against Canada. The victories sparked local celebrations in Boston, as several players on both national teams are from the area. Plans for official celebrations are currently being organized.
The women's team secured their third Olympic gold medal in a dramatic 2-1 overtime victory against Canada. Boston Fleet defender Megan Keller scored the game-winning "Golden Goal" just four minutes into the extra period, ensuring the team's first Olympic gold since 2018. In her fifth and final Olympics, U.S. women's captain Hilary Knight scored the crucial game-tying goal with just over two minutes left in regulation. The goal was Knight's 15th in her Olympic career, setting a new U.S. record for both career Olympic goals and points. The men's team also claimed a 2-1 overtime victory against Canada, marking their first Olympic gold medal since the "Miracle on Ice" in 1980. Jack Hughes scored the winning goal 1:41 into overtime, securing a historic win on the 46th anniversary of the legendary 1980 victory over the Soviet Union. Boston's collegiate hockey programs were well-represented on the men's roster. The team featured five alumni from Boston University, including Charlie McAvoy and Brady Tkachuk, and two from Boston College, Matt Boldy and Noah Hanifin. The women's team featured strong local representation, with three players from the Boston Fleet of the Professional Women's Hockey League: goaltender Aerin Frankel, defender Haley Winn, and the gold-medal-scoring hero, Megan Keller. A public celebration honoring the Boston Fleet's four Olympic medalists, including Team USA's Frankel, Keller, and Winn, is scheduled for Monday, March 2nd, at View Boston. The event will include a Q&A panel and opportunities for photos with the athletes and their medals. In honor of the Olympians, the Prudential Tower will be lit in red, white, and blue.
