The United States came out on top in Sunday's gold medal hockey game thanks to an overtime win over Canada. But our neighbors to the north are saying that it's nothing to celebrate given the circumstances of the victory.
America was able to claim gold thanks to a game-winning goal off the stick of Jack Hughes — giving the U.S. its first gold medal in hockey since the "Miracle on Ice" in Lake Placid 46 years ago to the day.
Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck also came up huge in the win, and arguably could've taken home tournament MVP honors. But instead that went to Canada's Connor McDavid for his historic stats as Milan Cortina's runner-up.
© Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Canadian hockey fans throwing shade at U.S.'s gold medal win
Taking to social media after the United States' massive tournament victory, Canadian fans let their voices be heard about the disappointing result:
"Honestly if you’re an American celebrating that win you’re a casual who doesn’t know puck," a user said. "Totally fine, grow the game."
"Celebrating a gimmick 3-on-3 goal after getting dog walked in the real game for 60 minutes tells you everything you need to know about who still runs this sport," another coped.
"Whoever thought the gold medal games should be 3-on-3 should be drawn and quartered," a Canadian replied.
"Congrats on winning the 3 on 3 tourney little fella," another northerner posted.
"Biggest fluke in sports history," a fan claimed. "Congrats to the Americans. Never beat Sid when it counted and needed a 3-on-3 bounce."
Team USA praises goalie Connor Hellebuyck
After taking first on the 2026 world stage, Connor Hellebuyck's teammates were quick to celebrate the efforts of their man in the net.
"It was an all-time performance from a superstar at his position," Matthew Tkachuk said (via NBC.com). "It's going to go down as one of the best performances of all time. It has to. All the great United States goaltending performances you want to talk about, that's right up there. If we don't have him, we don't win.”
Hellebuyck, who saved 41 shots in the win, also talked about one of the crowning achievements of his hockey career.
"It's a dream come true," the four-time All-Star said following the incredible win. "I love this group, we've had so much fun over here, we've grinded, we've battled, this is some of the best and most fun hockey I've ever played."
Regardless of what some Canadian fans have to say, it's a great day to be an American and a victory worth celebrating for the U.S. of A.