Team USA Wins First Men's Hockey Gold Since 1980

Several Arizona connections on the victorious US squad

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The US men's hockey team won the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, their first Olympic title in the sport since the famous "Miracle on Ice" in 1980. Several players and the head coach have ties to the state of Arizona.

Why it matters

The US victory in men's hockey is a major accomplishment, ending a 46-year drought for the country. The Arizona connections to the team add local interest and pride for fans in the state.

The details

The US defeated Canada 4-2 in the gold medal game on Sunday. Head coach Mike Sullivan played for the Arizona Coyotes from 1999 to 2002. Team captain Auston Matthews is from Scottsdale, while Tage Thompson was born in the Valley and played youth hockey in Peoria. Current Mammoth player Clayton Keller previously played for the Arizona Coyotes. The Tkachuk brothers, Brady and Matthew, are the sons of Coyotes legend Keith Tkachuk and were both born in Scottsdale.

  • The US won the gold medal on Sunday, February 23, 2026.
  • The last time the US men's hockey team won Olympic gold was in 1980.

The players

Auston Matthews

Team captain and native of Scottsdale, Arizona.

Mike Sullivan

Head coach who played for the Arizona Coyotes from 1999 to 2002.

Tage Thompson

Player born in the Valley and played youth hockey in Peoria, Arizona.

Clayton Keller

Player who currently plays for the Utah Mammoth but previously played for the Arizona Coyotes.

Brady Tkachuk

Player born in Scottsdale, Arizona, and son of Coyotes legend Keith Tkachuk.

Matthew Tkachuk

Player born in Scottsdale, Arizona, and son of Coyotes legend Keith Tkachuk.

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What they’re saying

“Winning this gold medal means everything to us. We've worked so hard for this moment and to bring it home to the US is an incredible feeling.”

— Auston Matthews, Team Captain (12news.com)

What’s next

The US men's hockey team will be honored with a parade and celebration in their hometown of Scottsdale, Arizona on February 28th.

The takeaway

The US men's hockey team's Olympic gold medal victory is a source of immense pride for Arizona, with several key players and the head coach hailing from the state. This triumph marks the first time in nearly half a century that the US has won the top prize in men's hockey, underscoring the team's remarkable achievement.