The arena shook as the final horn echoed across Milano.
Team USA defeated Canada to win the women’s hockey gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, and Brittany Bowe was in the stands just one day after getting engaged to Hilary Knight.
More than 16,000 fans packed the Milano Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 19 for the latest chapter in Olympic hockey’s fiercest rivalry. The result delivered another defining moment in a career that has already shaped American women’s hockey.
For Knight, competing in her fifth and final Olympic Games, the win added a second Olympic gold to the one she earned at PyeongChang 2018. According to official USA Hockey and IIHF records, she remains one of the most decorated players in U.S. history.
Hilary Knight & Brittany Bowe: A personal and professional high point
Shooting at a High School Boys Hockey game leaves 2 dead in Rhode Island
The championship came less than 24 hours after Knight proposed to Bowe during a morning coffee run in Milano. The couple shared the news on Feb. 18, reflecting on how their journey began at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.
Bowe, wearing Team USA colors, was shown during the broadcast cheering through the final minutes. Her presence stood out because she competes in the women’s 1500 meters on Feb. 20. Even with her own race approaching, she chose to attend what was confirmed as Knight’s last Olympic game.
Milano Cortina marks the final Olympic appearance for both athletes.
Their story began inside the strict COVID-19 bubble in Beijing. According to official Olympic results, Bowe won bronze in the 1000 meters in 2022. She later described meeting Knight during those Games as the highlight of her experience.
The couple began dating in December 2022, and Knight publicly came out in 2023, crediting the strength she found in their partnership.
“Olympics brought us together. This one made us forever…
US reclaims the Olympic summit
The gold medal carries weight beyond personal milestones. The rivalry between USA and Canada has defined women’s Olympic hockey since its debut at Nagano 1998. The two nations have won every Olympic gold in the sport.
With this victory, Milano 2026 joins PyeongChang 2018 as Olympic peaks in Knight’s career. Analysts covering the tournament noted that her leadership remained central to the team’s identity in this final run.
For USA Hockey, the win signals both continuity and transition. A veteran era closes, and a new generation steps forward.
Eyes on the 1500 meters
While Knight celebrates Olympic gold, Bowe’s Games continue.
The 37-year-old speed skater finished fourth in the 1000 meters and fourth in the team pursuit earlier this week at Milano 2026. According to International Skating Union records, she previously held the world record in the 1500 meters, the event she races Friday.
The 1500 meters represents her final Olympic opportunity. One career ended in gold. The other still has one race left.
Information in this article is based on official Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic results, historical data from USA Hockey and the IIHF, records from the International Skating Union, and verified public statements from the athletes and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee.