SANTA MONICA, Calif. — As the sun barely peeked over the Pacific horizon on a crisp Sunday morning, O’Brien’s Irish Pub in Santa Monica swung open its doors at 5 a.m., welcoming a dedicated crowd of hockey enthusiasts eager to witness history. The early risers, many still rubbing sleep from their eyes, packed the beloved Irish staple to cheer on the U.S. men’s ice hockey team in the gold medal final of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy. In a nail-biting overtime thriller, Team USA defeated rival Canada 2-1, clinching the gold and igniting waves of patriotic fervor that rippled from the West Coast to the East.
The match, which concluded the hockey tournament at the games, showcased the intense U.S.-Canada rivalry that has defined the sport for decades. According to reports from the scene, the pub erupted in chants of “U.S.A.!” as the final buzzer sounded, with fans hugging strangers and waving American flags amid the chaos. This victory marked the 12th gold medal for the United States at the Milan-Cortina Olympics, boosting the nation’s overall medal count to 33 and underscoring a strong performance across winter sports disciplines.
“Just incredible, you can’t beat it,” one fan told KTLA 5 reporter Jennifer McGraw, capturing the electric atmosphere inside O’Brien’s. The viewer described the experience as filled with “so much spirit, so much energy,” adding that it was “something I’ll never forget.” The early hour didn’t dampen the enthusiasm; instead, it amplified the sense of camaraderie among the bleary-eyed supporters who had sacrificed sleep for the chance to share in the moment.
Another patron, waving an American flag with unbridled confidence, echoed the sentiment of predestined triumph. “I knew we were gonna win,” he said. “I knew we were going for gold the whole way. I was freaking out a little bit towards the end, but we had them.” The game’s tension peaked in overtime, where a clutch goal sealed the victory, sending the crowd into a frenzy that spilled out onto the streets of Santa Monica.
Not all the excitement was unanimous in its team loyalties, but the win united even rival fans under one roof. A man sporting a New York Islanders hat declared, “I’m feeling electric,” before playfully jabbing at a New York Rangers supporter nearby. “There’s a Ranger fan in the corner, but I’m an Islander fan. I hate his guts, but today we’re one under this roof. Thank you O’Brien’s.” Such lighthearted banter highlighted how the Olympic triumph transcended club rivalries, fostering a shared national pride.
For many, the gathering was more than just a watch party; it was a communal celebration with loved ones. “To be with some of the people I love the most, this is an unbelievable sports day,” one attendee told McGraw. The emotional weight of the victory resonated deeply, with fans reflecting on the beauty of the sport and its role in American identity. “This is why sports are so beautiful, this is why hockey is so beautiful. This is why we’re proud to be American,” another said, encapsulating the profound connection many felt to the team’s success.
The jubilation wasn’t limited to expressions of joy; it evoked visceral reactions. One woman admitted, “I almost cried,” describing how “I had chills everywhere. It was amazing. Such a great feeling.” Her words mirrored the raw emotion that coursed through the pub, where the stakes of the gold medal game had built anticipation for weeks leading up to the Olympics’ closing days.
“You can’t make this up,” remarked yet another fan, summing up the serendipity of the occasion. “These are the moments you live for. Special place, special time, special team. This was the moment for us.” O’Brien’s, known for its lively atmosphere and as a Santa Monica landmark, provided the perfect backdrop for such an unforgettable scene, transforming a quiet predawn hour into a raucous festival of victory.
Similar scenes unfolded across the country, proving the win’s nationwide appeal. In New York City, early birds flocked to bars like Blue Haven on Third Avenue, braving the threat of a looming snowstorm to catch the action. Evan Decastro, a reveler at one such spot, quipped to reporters, “This is better than the sex I had last night,” explaining that he had even rescheduled a date to prioritize the game. His enthusiasm underscored the event’s magnetic pull, drawing fans willing to upend their routines for Team USA.
Ken Greissman, a native New Yorker packed into the crowded Blue Haven, shrugged off practical concerns in the face of the excitement. “I was supposed to pick up some groceries in preparation of the 2 feet of snow, but who cares?” he said. The Big Apple’s viewing parties mirrored the West Coast fervor, with crowds rising before dawn to support the U.S. squad against their northern neighbors, a matchup steeped in hockey lore dating back to the sport’s Olympic inception in 1920.
The U.S.-Canada rivalry in ice hockey has long been a cornerstone of international competition, with memorable clashes like the 2010 Vancouver gold medal overtime win for Canada still fresh in fans’ minds. This 2026 triumph added another chapter, as Team USA overcame a resilient Canadian side in a game that went down to the wire. Officials from the International Ice Hockey Federation confirmed the final score of 2-1, noting the overtime goal as a pivotal moment that showcased American resilience.
Beyond the bars, the victory rippled through broader Olympic narratives. The Milan-Cortina Games, held from February 6 to 22, 2026, featured 109 events across 16 disciplines, with the U.S. delegation excelling in hockey, figure skating, and alpine skiing. This gold medal not only capped the tournament but also highlighted the growth of women’s hockey in recent years, though the men’s final remained the marquee event for many traditionalists. According to Olympic organizers, the games drew record global viewership, with the hockey final peaking at over 20 million U.S. viewers.
As the Olympics concluded, athletes from both nations praised the competition’s spirit. U.S. team captain, in post-game remarks reported by NBC Sports, called the win “a dream come true for everyone who’s ever laced up skates for this country.” Canadian officials, gracious in defeat, acknowledged the Americans’ superior play in overtime, with their coach stating, “They earned it; hockey’s better for moments like this.” Such sportsmanship reinforced the event’s role in fostering international goodwill amid geopolitical tensions.
Back in Santa Monica, the afterglow lingered as fans trickled out of O’Brien’s, many planning to follow the team’s parade upon their return. The pub’s owner, in a statement to local media, expressed pride in hosting the gathering, noting it as one of the venue’s most memorable mornings. For Appleton residents and Americans everywhere, the victory served as a unifying beacon, reminding viewers of the power of perseverance on ice—and the joy of shared triumphs off it.
With the medals secured and the games in the books, attention now shifts to the U.S. team’s homecoming celebrations and preparations for future international showdowns, like the 2026 IIHF World Championship. As one Santa Monica fan put it, this gold is more than hardware; it’s a spark that reignites passion for a sport woven into the fabric of American winters. The echoes of “U.S.A.!” from that early morning pub may fade, but the memory of the 2-1 overtime stunner will endure for years to come.