Tyrese Haliburton reacts as Team USA men’s hockey ends long Olympic gold drought with dramatic win

The American men's hockey team joined their female counterparts as victors at the Milan Cortina Games after defeating Canada 2-1 in overtime to capture the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The team defeated Team Canada 2-1 in overtime on Sunday to win its first gold medal since 1980.

Shortly after this, celebrities and other fans rushed to social media to congratulate the team. Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton also did the same. Meanwhile, Haliburton is currently making progress toward a potential comeback to the court, although that won't happen until the 2026–2027 campaign.

Team USA’s dramatic overtime winner ends 46-year Olympic gold wait in men’s hockey

Zach Werenski, an American, swiftly located Jack Hughes racing down the ice after stealing the puck from a Canadian defenceman. The United States won its first gold medal in men's hockey since the "Miracle on Ice" in 1980 thanks to his quick goal, which pushed the puck past Canada goalie Jordan Binnington.

On February 22, 46 years to the day after the Miracle on Ice team made history at Lake Placid in 1980, the United States defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime in the men's final in Milano Cortina 2026, creating a fresh Olympic memory for fans to dream about.

The United States jumped less than two minutes into the extra frame as goalie Connor Hellebuyck held Canada at bay by stopping 41 of 42 shots on goal. Haliburton also went to X to express his excitement.




He wrote:

“41 SAVES!? WHAT THE HELLE!!! Congrats to Connor Hellebuyck and @usahockey for bringing home the Gold..”

For context, almost instantly, American hockey fans celebrated a gold medal that had taken more than 45 years to earn, both in Milan with players, coaches, and supporters and globally.

Fans throughout North America were on the edge of their seats the entire time because it was such an exciting game. Connor Hellebuyck, the goalie for Team USA, was outstanding in the match, stopping 41 of 42 Canadian attempts on goal. Despite suffering a chipped tooth, Jack Hughes scored the gold medal-winning goal in overtime. After then, there was an unforgettable celebration.

Tyrese Haliburton’s recovery timeline offers hope for return ahead of 2026–27 season

Haliburton suffered a torn right Achilles tendon in the game versus Oklahoma City. With 30 pounds gained during his rehabilitation and participation in 3-0n-3 and 4-on-4 sports, Haliburton appears to be making good progress.

Despite this, it appears like he will return in time for the 2026–2027 campaign. Players with Haliburton's ailment typically return to play in nine to twelve months. About 7.5 months have passed since his initial injury.

Once more, the Pacers' current position probably affects how quickly Haliburton recovers. Things might undoubtedly be different if they were in the Celtics' shoes. Boston's 35-19 record puts them in second place in the Eastern Conference. In the previous season's playoffs, their star player, Jayson Tatum, also tore his Achilles tendon. It appears that he will be back this season.


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