Boston Fleet star Megan Keller leads U.S. to Olympic gold

Keller's overtime goal gives U.S. women's hockey team third Olympic title

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Megan Keller scored the game-winning goal in overtime to lead the United States women's hockey team to a 2-1 victory over Canada and the gold medal at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics. Keller's Boston Fleet teammate Aerin Frankel made 30 saves for the U.S., while American captain Hilary Knight tied the game late in regulation with her 15th career Olympic goal.

Why it matters

The U.S. women's hockey team's victory over rival Canada extends their dominance in the sport, winning their third Olympic gold medal. The win is especially meaningful for veteran captain Hilary Knight, who is playing in her final Olympics, and for rising star Megan Keller, who plays alongside Frankel for the Boston-based professional team.

The details

Keller scored the game-winning goal 4:07 into overtime, breaking up the left wing and pushing past Canada's Claire Thompson before beating goaltender Ann-Renee Desbiens with a backhander. Canada had taken a 1-0 lead early in the second period on a short-handed goal by Kristen O'Neill, but Knight tied the game late in regulation by tipping in a shot from Laila Edwards. The U.S. outscored its opponents 33-2 in the tournament, going 7-0 on its way to the gold medal.

  • Keller scored the overtime winner at 4:07 of the extra period.
  • Knight's game-tying goal came with 2:04 remaining in regulation.
  • O'Neill opened the scoring for Canada 54 seconds into the second period.

The players

Megan Keller

A star player for the Boston Fleet professional hockey team who scored the game-winning goal in overtime to give the U.S. the Olympic gold medal.

Hilary Knight

The captain of the U.S. women's hockey team, playing in her fifth and final Olympics. She scored the game-tying goal late in regulation to force overtime.

Aerin Frankel

The U.S. goaltender who plays alongside Keller for the Boston Fleet, making 30 saves in the gold medal game.

Kristen O'Neill

The Canadian player who scored the opening goal of the game on a short-handed breakaway in the second period.

Ann-Renee Desbiens

The Canadian goaltender who made 31 saves in the gold medal game.

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What they’re saying

“I'm lost for words. 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.”

— Megan Keller (The Associated Press)

“We knew we had it in us, and Hil came up big with that tying goal. I think just a lot of belief in our group. We wanted to play to win.”

— Megan Keller (The Associated Press)

What’s next

The U.S. women's hockey team will look to build on their Olympic gold medal success and continue their dominance over rival Canada in future international competitions.

The takeaway

The U.S. women's hockey team's thrilling overtime victory over Canada to win the Olympic gold medal caps off an impressive tournament run and cements the team's status as one of the premier programs in the sport. The win was especially meaningful for veteran captain Hilary Knight and rising star Megan Keller, who plays alongside the game's winning goaltender Aerin Frankel on the Boston-based professional team.