Michigan legend Jack Hughes’ game-winning goal vs Canada gives USA gold at Winter Olympics

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Feb 20, 2026; Milan, Italy; Quinn Hughes (43) of the United States moves the puck up the ice as Lukas Cingel (6) of Slovakia defends during the third period in a men's ice hockey semifinal during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The Michigan Wolverines were well represented in the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics. In all, they had five former athletes and graduates skating in events. Every single one left the games with an Olympic medal. Ice dancer Evan Bates left Milan with two Olympic medals, the other four athletes — all hockey players — left with the Gold as well.

46 YEARS TO THE DAY. GOLD AGAIN. #WinterOlympicspic.twitter.com/zulrmPPLfA

— Team USA (@TeamUSA) February 22, 2026

In ice hockey, four former University of Michigan players suited up for Team USA. Of those, three played in every game for the United States during the Olympics.

Dylan Larkin – Team USA Hockey​


Dylan Larkin was a huge part of Team USA in these Olympics. Larkin netted two goals and had one assist leading up to the gold medal game. Larkin found the net for Team USA with assists from Jack and Quinn Hughes in the quarter-finals and had another goal in the semi-finals.

DYLAN LARKIN FLIES IN AND OPENS UP THE SCORING. #WinterOlympicspic.twitter.com/Lmu8uuDeij

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 18, 2026

Quinn Hughes – Team USA Hockey​


Quinn Hughes played a major role in the gold medal game on Sunday, picking up an assist on Team USA’s only goal in regulation. Quinn Hughes played a major role in keeping Team USA’s hopes of a medal alive when he netted an overtime goal in the team’s quarterfinal game against Sweden. He’d finish the game with 1 goal and 1 assist. Heading into the final game against Canada, Hughes had six assists along with his one goal in the tournament.

GOOD MORNING, USA! pic.twitter.com/sKkRDldVih

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 19, 2026

Zach Werenski – Team USA Hockey​


Zach Werenski helped Team USA win its first gold at the Olympics since the “Miracle on Ice” team in 1980. He had an assist to set up Jack Hughes’ overtime goal against Canada. Heading into the gold medal game, Werenski had one goal and four assists. One of those assists to Dylan Larkin in the semi-final game against Slovakia. He played in all of the team’s Olympic games.

HOT START FOR THE U.S.

The Michigan duo of Dylan Larkin and Zach Werenski combine for the opening goal for @usahockey vs Slovakia.#WinterOlympics

pic.twitter.com/ACDxsOrXPp

— Team USA (@TeamUSA) February 20, 2026

Kyle Connor – Team USA Hockey​


Kyle Connor was part of Team USA’s third line in the game against Latvia to start Group C play. He played in two games during the group stage, but didn’t accumulate any stats in those games. He did not dress for Team USA’s final games, including the gold medal game against Canada.

Evan Bates – Team USA Ice Dancing​


Evan Bates and his ice dance partner, Madison Chock, brought home two medals in the Olympics. They represented Team USA in the ice dance events. In the rhythm and free dance events, the pair earned first place, earning twenty points for Team USA. Their performance helped Team USA finish with a gold medal.

Every step, every edge — Madison Chock and Evan Bates in full flight. #WinterOlympicspic.twitter.com/J9haFjqN8b

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 10, 2026

In the individual ice dance event, the pair ended up with a silver medal, after finishing just behind a team from France. In the days following their performance, there was a bit of a scoring controversy, but U.S. Skating did not end up appealing any of the scores. In the end, they skated to a silver medal, with less than a point separating them from the gold medal skaters from France.

Bates was also selected to carry the flag for the United States in the Closing Ceremony.

Five Games of dedication. One unforgettable honor.

Hilary Knight and Evan Bates will carry the flag for Team USA at the Closing Ceremony.#WinterOlympicspic.twitter.com/Kya039tJwB

— Team USA (@TeamUSA) February 20, 2026

Did you watch any of these athletes compete in the games over the last few weeks? Let us know in the comments below!

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