U.S. Men Snap 46-Year Drought, Capture Olympic Hockey Gold in Northern Italy

Milan, Italy — The final horn sounded on the 2026 Winter Games and with it came the roar that has eluded American hockey since 1980, as the United States men edged Canada to seize Olympic gold in the tournament’s climactic contest. The 4-3 decision, played before a raucous, flag-waving crowd at the Milan Ice Forum, delivered the program its first championship since the fabled Miracle on Ice squad in Lake Placid.

Carter Bahns, writing for CBS Sports HQ AM, called the triumph “a simply tremendous way to cap two weeks of peak athletic performance,” noting that the victory came in the very last event of the Games. Details on scorers and goaltending were not released in the immediate summary, but the win instantly rewrites American hockey history and sets the stage for the 2030 cycle.

Duke Knocks Off Michigan in Top-Five Showdown

Hours before the puck dropped on gold-medal action, the hardwood provided its own headline as No. 3 Duke toppled No. 1 Michigan in a marquee late-season clash. The outcome shakes up the national picture just as the NCAA Tournament selection committee unveiled its in-season top 16 seeds. Michigan, previously penciled in as the overall No. 1, now faces questions, while Duke strengthens its case for a top-line placement come Selection Sunday.

Bracket Preview Shuffles After Duke Win

Saturday’s reveal slotted Michigan atop the projected field, followed by Duke, No. 4 Arizona and No. 6 Iowa State on the No. 1 seed line. Sunday’s results, including Duke’s win and Arizona’s victory at No. 2 Houston, prompted bracketologists to update projections ahead of this week’s AP poll.

Looking Ahead

With the Olympic flame extinguished in Northern Italy, attention turns to spring sports: the 2026 WNBA Draft sits fewer than eight weeks away, though roster forecasting remains murky amid ongoing collective-bargaining talks and a double expansion draft. CBS Sports’ Jack Maloney released a top-20 prospect board headlined by Spanish center Awa Fam and TCU guard Olivia Miles, while South Carolina’s Raven Johnson boosted her first-round résumé despite a modest six-point outing against Ole Miss.

On the pitch, MLS opening weekend is underway, and today’s viewing slate features Pisa-Fiorentina in Serie B, Manchester United at Everton in the Premier League, plus a trio of NBA and golf matchups spanning Peacock, ESPN and USA Network.

U.S. hockey, meanwhile, will savor the gold that ended a 46-year wait—an eternity erased in one unforgettable night in Milan.