The atmosphere at Regina's 4Seasons Sports Palace was electric as hockey fans gathered to watch Canada face off against the United States for Olympic gold. The game, a nail-biting affair, ended in a 2-1 overtime victory for the Americans, leaving local supporters devastated.
Kristin O'Neill scored a shorthanded goal in the second period to give Canada the lead. However, Hilary Knight, in her final Olympics, tied the game late in the third, forcing overtime. Megan Keller then scored the golden goal for the U. S., sealing the win and triggering scenes of jubilation south of the border, and heartbreak in Canada.
"My heart just sank in my chest,” said Niko Milette, a Regina fan who watched the game at a local pub. Milette, who was among dozens of people who arrived early to watch the puck drop, said the game "wrenched on his heart strings" multiple times, but that the Canadian squad fought hard throughout. Despite the loss, he added, "They're still getting a silver medal, so I'm very proud of them".
The loss extends Canada's losing streak against the U. S. to eight games. While the silver medal adds to Canada's impressive medal count at the 2026 Winter Olympics, the defeat stings, especially given the long-standing rivalry between the two nations. The game marked the seventh of eight Olympic gold medal matches between the two, with Canada having won five and the U. S. now holding three.
