United States captured its third Olympic women’s ice hockey gold medal on Thursday, rallying from behind to defeat arch-rival Canada 2-1 in overtime in the Milan-Cortina 2026 final.

Trailing for most of the game, the Americans equalised with just over two minutes left in regulation when captain Hilary Knight deflected a long-range shot past the Canadian goaltender to tie it 1-1. In overtime, defender Megan Keller sealed victory with a solo rush and finish, setting off celebrations at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.

“I love this group,” said Knight on ending her Olympic career with a gold medal. “It’s so special to be able to play at this level. I feel a lot of gratitude. It’s such a magical moment and I’m just trying to soak it all in.”

The result extended a rivalry that has defined Olympic women’s ice hockey since the sport debuted at the Nagano 1998 Games. The United States and Canada have won every Olympic gold medal in the event, and have met in seven of the eight gold-medal games, including five straight since 2010.

The Americans entered Thursday’s final with two Olympic titles from 1998 and 2018 Games while Canada has won five.

For 36-year-old Knight, the victory served as a storybook finale. Having announced her retirement following the Games, the veteran played her final Olympic game against long-time counterpart Marie-Philip Poulin, the 34-year-old Canadian captain.

“Honestly, we knew it was going to be a battle, it was going to be up and down, and it was,” said Poulin after the loss. Canada struck first early in the second period during a US penalty.

Kristin O’Neill broke free on a breakaway and beat US goalie Aerin Frankel to make it 1-0. The Americans pressed in the third period and eventually drew level through Knight before Keller decided it in overtime.

• A Tell Media / Xinhua report s