Milan — Just three weeks after the U.S. team triumphed over Canada in the Olympic hockey finals, they did it again, this time winning the Paralympic gold medal in Para ice hockey. The final score? 6-2, thanks to Jack Wallace’s impressive hat trick. This victory marked a historic achievement: the U.S. became the first nation to win all three hockey tournaments—Olympics and Paralympics—in the same year.
Fans filled the arena, buzzing with excitement. Kayden Beasley, Declan Farmer (the tournament MVP), and Brody Roybal also contributed to the score, with Liam Hickey netting both goals for Canada.
U.S. captain Josh Pauls acknowledged the pressure but took pride in the team’s accomplishment. “It really shows how much they invest in grassroots programs,” he said. Pauls also highlighted the emergence of young talents like Wallace, who has overcome significant hurdles to succeed.
Wallace, 27, lost his right leg in a water-skiing accident at age 10. He initially thought his dream of playing sports was over until he discovered Para ice hockey. His journey from aspiring athlete to scoring a hat trick is inspiring. “It doesn’t get much better than that,” he remarked with a big smile.
This was the U.S. team’s fifth consecutive Paralympic title, a remarkable streak that underscores their dominance in the sport. Pauls reflects on this success with amazement: “I can’t believe it. We never set out to win five in a row.”
Recent statistics showcase this dominance further; the U.S. has claimed six of the last seven Winter Paralympic championships. Meanwhile, Canada has now faced three consecutive losses in the finals; their lone gold medal came in 2006.
The event also drew a record attendance of 10,795 fans, underscoring growing interest in Para ice hockey. Pauls noted how incredible it was to play in front of such a passionate crowd, joking about the strong Canadian presence in Italy.
This historic win not only highlights the skill of the athletes but also the evolving landscape of adaptive sports. The increasing viewership and attendance indicate a shift in public perception, creating more opportunities for these athletes to shine on a global stage.
For more on the impact and history of the Paralympics, visit the AP Winter Paralympics page.
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Parasports, Winter Paralympic Games, Jack Wallace, Liam Hickey, Declan Farmer, Kayden Beasley, Brody Roybal, Canada, 2026 Winter Olympics, Canada Olympic Team, Italy, United States Olympic Team, Josh Pauls, Sports
