Torrent captain Hilary Knight leads Team USA to victory in OT thriller against Canada

Knight's game-tying goal late in regulation and Megan Keller's overtime winner spark wild celebration at Seattle watch party

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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In a thrilling women's hockey gold medal game, Team USA captain Hilary Knight scored the game-tying goal late in regulation to force overtime, and Megan Keller netted the winner in OT to give the U.S. the gold medal in a 2-1 victory over Canada. The dramatic finish was celebrated by a packed house of Seattle Torrent fans at a local watch party, where the team's players also gathered to support their captain Knight in her final Olympic appearance.

Why it matters

Women's hockey continues to grow in popularity, especially in hockey-mad markets like Seattle where the hometown Torrent have built a passionate fan base. Knight's heroics and the U.S. team's victory will only further boost interest and support for the sport at the local and national level.

The details

After Canada took a 1-0 lead early in the second period, the game remained tight and tense until the final minutes of regulation. That's when Knight, the Torrent captain, scored the equalizer with just over two minutes left to send the game to overtime. In the extra period, Megan Keller netted the golden goal to give the U.S. the win and the gold medal. The dramatic finish sparked a wild celebration at the Rough & Tumble watch party in Seattle, where Torrent players and fans erupted in cheers.

  • The game was played on February 20, 2026 in Italy.
  • Canada scored a shorthanded goal early in the 2nd period to take a 1-0 lead.
  • Hilary Knight scored the game-tying goal for the U.S. with just over 2 minutes left in regulation.
  • Megan Keller scored the overtime winner for Team USA.

The players

Hilary Knight

Captain of the Seattle Torrent and a 15-time Olympic goal scorer, the most in U.S. history for men or women.

Megan Keller

U.S. women's hockey player who scored the overtime winner to give Team USA the gold medal.

Marah Wagner

Forward for the Seattle Torrent who was excited to watch her teammates compete for Olympic gold.

Megan Carter

Defenseman for the Seattle Torrent who noted the passionate support the team has received from their hometown fans.

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What they’re saying

“It's so exciting. I mean, this is what everybody's dreams have been. And, to see them actually doing it in real life, in real-time, it's so amazing. And, we're excited to see the hard work come home.”

— Marah Wagner, Seattle Torrent Forward (KIRO 7)

“This is a very accurate representation of what we've seen at all of our home games this season. They've embraced us, and we've loved every second of it.”

— Megan Carter, Seattle Torrent Defenseman (KIRO 7)

“I got a little nervous, but I trusted 'em and they pulled it out. It was so cool to see.”

— Andrea Dickason, Fan (KIRO 7)

“Oh My God! Literally, my heart was beating out of my chest. An out-of-body experience. It was amazing!”

— Meah Wilson, Fan (KIRO 7)

What’s next

The Torrent players and fans will continue to celebrate the team's Olympic champions, with the organization likely planning additional events and activities to honor Hilary Knight and the U.S. women's hockey team's gold medal victory.

The takeaway

The thrilling finish to the women's hockey gold medal game, capped by Hilary Knight's heroics, has further elevated the profile of the sport and the Seattle Torrent franchise in the Pacific Northwest. The passionate support shown by Torrent fans demonstrates the growing popularity of women's hockey and the impact players like Knight are having on inspiring the next generation of athletes.