Megan Keller scored the decisive golden goal that secured a 2-1 victory for the United States women’s hockey team over Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE shortly after the dramatic overtime win on Thursday, February 19, Keller expressed how the achievement still feels fresh and celebrated the collective effort of her teammates during the tournament.
At 29, Keller described the moment as extraordinary, highlighting the strength of the current American squad.
“It’s crazy to think that that was a week ago, to be honest. Super special. This is one of the best American teams that have stepped up to stage, I think ever,”
she shared. Keller acknowledged the significance of the win especially considering that this was Hilary Knight’s final Olympics.
“The golden goal to cap it off… and obviously Hilary Knight announced this was her last Olympics, so to do that for her and that one goal she had to send us into overtime, I could go on and on about the performances, but yeah, it hasn’t sunk in. It’s super special,”
she added.
The Conversation Following the Men’s Team’s Viral Call with President Trump
After the women’s victory, the focus shifted somewhat due to a viral phone call between the U.S. men’s hockey team and President Donald Trump, which took place three days after Keller’s golden goal. During the call, President Trump humorously suggested,
“I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team,”
in reference to inviting the men’s team to his State of the Union address. Trump continued,
“You do know that. I do believe I’d probably would be impeached [if the women’s team wasn’t invited],”
as the men’s team shared laughter on the call from their locker room.
Keller addressed the incident with a focus on maintaining perspective:
“I try to honestly stay away from all the comments, everyone has their own opinion.”
She expressed disappointment about the political turn the discussion took but emphasized pride in her team.
“Yeah, it’s a little unfortunate to see where the conversation has gone in some sense, but I think I can just speak to how proud I am of our group and how proud I know we are to represent our country on the world’s biggest stage.”
She underscored the honor of representing the United States and winning gold alongside the men’s team, calling it an unprecedented achievement.
“This is the honor of a lifetime for all of us, and to bring home gold — not only the women’s team, but the men’s team as well — is pretty incredible. That’s never been done, so that’s what I think the conversation should be about, is all of us as athletes.”
Megan Keller on Representing Her Country and Team USA’s Legacy
Keller reaffirmed the pride and dedication felt by all athletes representing the U.S., saying,
“It’s been our dream to put on a USA jersey and represent our country on the biggest stage.”
She reflected on the communal effort behind the success, mentioning the broad support system.
“It’s a dream to win a gold medal for your country and all of the people back home who helped get you here. All of the people around the nation.”
She paid tribute to those who serve the country and enable athletes to compete internationally.
“All the men and women that serve and allow us to represent our country in the fashion that we do, so that’s where I think the conversation should go, to be honest.”
Keller’s remarks place the emphasis on patriotism and the collective honor of bringing gold medals home for the U.S.
Returning to Boston Fleet and Preparing for the Second Half of the Season
Following her Olympic success, Keller resumed practice with the Boston Fleet of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) where she is the team captain. She expressed excitement about reuniting with her teammates and continuing the season.
“Could not be more excited to get back to Boston. I think we have a really special group here and miss these girls so much, but especially getting the chance to represent Boston, play for this city. It’s become a home for me, really special to be a part of.”
Keller also outlined the team’s ambitions moving forward:
“And we’ve got a big second half coming up. We’re sitting at the top of the league right now, and I think it’s all of our goals to bring home a Walter Cup to the city of Boston. So that’s at the forefront of our minds and we’re really excited to get back to work.”
Increased Attention on Women’s Hockey Following Olympic Gold
Since being named Boston Fleet captain in November 2025, Keller has witnessed growing interest in the PWHL and women’s hockey in general after Team USA’s Olympic win. She reflected on the lasting legacy of the 1998 Nagano Games, when women’s hockey debuted at the Olympics and the U.S. team won gold for the first time.
“When the U.S. team brought home the first gold medal… that was the team that sparked a dream in all of us that made us want to play hockey,”
she said.
Keller highlighted the responsibility athletes have to promote their sport and inspire future players.
“You definitely feel the impact right away. A lot of us, we want to be great ambassadors for sport and women in sport and just continue to push the envelope. There are so many good things to come. I don’t think we’ve even scratched the surface on what we’ve been able to accomplish.”
A Shared Moment with Jack Hughes and the Men’s Team Olympic Sweep
Keller also recounted the camaraderie fostered between the women’s and men’s hockey teams during the Olympics. Jack Hughes, the men’s team player who scored the golden goal three days after Keller’s winning goal, spoke immediately after his game winner about thinking of Keller first.
“It was pretty cool to be honest,”
Keller told PEOPLE of learning this.
She described their friendly encounter in the Olympic cafeteria:
“I saw him in the cafeteria after we won and he just came up and congratulated me, and I was fortunate enough a few days later when he got the golden goal, I was able to give him a hug in the caf and say ‘congrats.’”
Keller emphasized the historic achievement of both U.S. hockey teams bringing home gold medals, describing it as a moment that will unite and resonate with everyone involved.
“Those are goals that we’ll remember forever and honestly to have a sweep and have U.S. hockey bring home gold on both sides is something that I think we’ll all be connected and remember forever.”
She also noted how the teams grew closer throughout the tournament:
“We were able to have lunch with the men’s team and create friendships, relationships throughout the tournament. First time that the United States men and women’s [hockey teams] brought home gold for U.S. hockey, pretty legendary.”
The Road Ahead for Megan Keller and U.S. Women’s Hockey
Megan Keller’s golden goal at the 2026 Winter Olympics has not only solidified her place as a crucial contributor to U.S. women’s hockey history but also energized her return to competitive play with the Boston Fleet. As captain, she leads a team poised to capture the Walter Cup and continue elevating women’s hockey on the professional stage.
With the unprecedented sweep of gold medals by both the women’s and men’s hockey teams, Keller’s reflections highlight a moment of unity, pride, and inspiration that promises to drive growth and new opportunities for the sport across the country in the years to come.
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— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 23, 2026
