During the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York, the U.S. men’s hockey team faced the heavily favored Soviet Union in the medal round. The Soviets were seasoned professionals and defending gold medalists; the Americans were a roster of amateurs with just one returning Olympian. In a stunning upset that became known as the “Miracle on Ice,” the United States defeated the Soviets and went on to claim gold — a defining moment of the Cold War era.

The U.S. men did not win another Olympic gold medal for decades.

At the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, that drought ended. For the first time in history, both the U.S. men’s and women’s hockey teams won gold at the same Games. The women last captured gold at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics, but this marked the first Olympic sweep for the United States in hockey. The U.S. became just the second country to win both the men’s and women’s tournaments at a single Winter Games. In a dramatic twist, both American teams defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime in their respective gold medal games.

Minnesota’s presence was strong on both rosters. On the men’s team, Minnesotans included Brock Nelson, Jake Guentzel, Jack Oettinger, Brock Faber and Jackson LaCombe. Minnesota Wild players Matt Boldy and Brock Faber also contributed to the U.S. run.

On the women’s side, Minnesota natives included Taylor Heise, Kelly Pannek, Lee Stecklein, Grace Zumwinkle and Rory Guilday.

The men’s gold came 46 years to the day after the Miracle on Ice at the 1980 Winter Olympics, drawing a symbolic parallel between eras. The 1980 team was also anchored by Minnesota talent, with 12 of its 20 players hailing from the state.

Together, the victories underscore Minnesota’s outsized influence on American hockey — and mark another milestone moment for the sport nationally.