Ohio stars lift U.S. hockey to gold sweep
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Team USA (including the Blue Jackets' Zach Werenski, front left) poses for a team photo with Johnny Gaudreau's children after winning gold Sunday. Photo: Andrea Branca/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Both U.S. hockey teams brought home the gold from Milan with dramatic 2-1 overtime wins over Canada — and that's thanks to some big assists from Ohio.
Why it matters: The men's victory ended a 46-year drought, their first gold since the 1980 "Miracle on Ice."
- And the continued success of the women's team — featuring three Ohio State greats — further cements the university's reputation as a women's hockey powerhouse.
- It's the first time the U.S. has swept gold medals in the sport, a rare feat.
Catch up quick: Blue Jackets star Zach Werenski set up Jack Hughes' winning goal Sunday with a perfect pass shortly into overtime.
- Yes, he's technically from Michigan, but we're claiming him now.
- Forward J.T. Miller, of East Palestine, helped the team stay perfect during penalty kills.
The celebration included touching moments honoring CBJ player Johnny Gaudreau, who died in 2024. His family was in attendance.
- "We wanted to make him proud, and I think we did that," Werenski told reporters.
Flashback: The U.S. women won in a nearly identical thrilling fashion Thursday, in a game featuring seven current or former OSU players (four played for Canada).
Zoom in: Junior Joy Dunne and grads Cayla Barnes and Hannah Bilka were all part of the winning rotation.
- Cleveland Heights defender Laila Edwards had a clutch assist on the game-tying goal and also made history as the team's first Black player.
- Goaltender Gwyneth Philips, of Athens, didn't play but had 26 saves earlier in the tournament.
By the numbers: This is the third gold medal for the U.S. women. They're tied with Canada with eight medals overall in Olympics history.
The big picture: While ice hockey was the biggest showcase of success with Ohio ties, Cincinnati's Connor Curran also helped the U.S. win gold in freestyle aerial skiing.
- Overall, the U.S. won 33 medals — 12 gold, 12 silver and nine bronze.
- Only Norway won more, with 41.
What's next: The Paralympics begin March 6, though no athletes on the official roster report Ohio hometowns.
