Breanna Swiech ‘26, Copy Editor
U.S. Women’s Hockey dominated the 2026 Olympics. They went 4-0, and the overall top three scoring leaders in the Olympic Women’s Hockey this year were all Americans: defenseman Megan Keller, defenseman Caroline Harvey, and defenseman Laila Edwards This is not unusual, as the women’s team has medalled every year since the establishment of women’s hockey in the 1998 Nagano, Japan Olympics, where they won gold for the first time.
However, the gold win did not come without struggle. Despite U.S. goalie Aerin Frankel’s great save in the first period, Canada forward Kristin O’Neill scored the first goal of the game against the U.S. in the second period. Canada’s goal was then followed by the U.S. return goal by forward Hilary Knight in the last few minutes of the game, after attempts from forward Hannah Bilka and defenseman Haley Winn. It was an empty net goal, which means that the team removed their goalie for an extra attacker—a strategy usually put in place when one team is trailing behind another and losing time to score. That goal from Knight broke the U.S. Olympic Women’s Hockey record for all goals and points, according to USA Hockey. All while this was occurring, Frankel continued her remarkable goaltending, and by the end of the match, she had 30 saves. The score was then 1-1, so the teams went into overtime, which consisted of a 3-on-3 period, first goal wins.
After a tiring game, Michigan’s own Keller scored the winning goal, defeating Canada 2-1. Head coach of team USA, John Wroblewski, said, “Winning gold here in Milan was the ultimate goal, and our group battled constantly to make that a reality…From our veteran leadership to our first-time Olympians, this team came together to accomplish something greater than themselves. I couldn’t be more proud.”
Another aspect, besides the phenomenal athletes of the women’s hockey team, that contributed to the win is their team culture. When the athletes were interviewed, they not only recognized their personal achievements, but brought it back to the team and how all of their teammates contributed to their success rather than just the players themselves. It is clear that they all have the highest respect and admiration for each other, and that they are friends as well as teammates. Knowing that a group of formidable athletes care and have their backs on the ice was essential to their win. According to CBS News Knight said, “To realize those dreams [of an Olympic gold], to do it with the group that we had, it’s just been such an incredible ride.”
Later, the whole team appeared on NBC’s Today, and demonstrated this positive team culture once again. When asked of her own success as the team’s goalie, Frankel said, “I honestly feel spoiled to play behind this group. They’re so solid in front of me; they make my job easy.” When Edwards was questioned about making history as the first Black hockey player on the U.S. women’s hockey team, she said, “To do it beside this group is second to none, and I’ve just been loving life lately.” Whenever the players are asked a question about their personal success, they give credit to the team. To see a team without ego and arrogance, and instead replaced by humility, bonds, and trust in your teammates is so refreshing, and this team culture cannot be overstated.
However, despite their amazing win, it is disappointing, but not surprising, that some do not recognize the women as talented of athletes as the men’s team. USA Today reported that President Donald Trump joked about how if he did not invite the women’s hockey team to the White House as he did the men’s, he would be impeached: “I must tell you,” he said to the men’s team, “we’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that?… I do believe I would probably be impeached.” After the rude joke, an invitation was extended to the women’s team, and they politely declined. According to ESPN, Knight commented, “We’re just focusing on celebrating the women in our room, the extraordinary efforts, and continue to celebrate three gold medals in program history as well as the double gold for both men’s and women’s at the same time. And really not detract from that with a distasteful joke.” It is unfortunate that women are asked to explain a man’s rude behavior instead of celebrating their feat of a lifetime.
Moreover, the women’s team seem to be on good terms with the men’s team, despite the fact that some of the players laughed at Trump’s joke. U.S. goaltender Jeremy Swayman said the men’s team “should have reacted differently” and that to “share that gold medal with [the women’s team] is something that we’re forever grateful for.” In the end, the women pulled off the win of a lifetime, and no man, and certainly no joke, can take away their deserved pride and accomplishments.
Now that the Olympics are over, the team will return to their families, friends, and communities, and fans can celebrate as the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) season resumes. USA Today reported, “61 PWHL players participated in the Games and 45 competed in the two medal games, showcasing the global talent of the league.” Because the talent and enthusiasm is carrying over from the Olympics to the PWHL, the amount of viewers for the PWHL is estimated to increase, giving this amazing league more recognition.
Lyon Life 