MILAN (AP) — In an unforgettable moment at the Milan Cortina Olympics, Taylor Heise and Megan Keller teamed up to clinch a thrilling victory for the U.S. women’s hockey team against Canada. Keller’s stunning goal in overtime sealed the win, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
The play began with a long pass from Heise, nearly 100 feet, right to Keller at center ice. Heise recalled, “Meg was flying up the ice. I wanted to change, so I just tossed it to her.”
Keller didn’t waste a moment. With a slick backhand move, she outmaneuvered defender Claire Thompson. “I knew she was going to score,” said Alina Muller, a fellow player. “It was a sick move.”
Before overtime, Keller and her teammates had focused on playing to win. As she approached the net, she felt a rush of nerves but pushed forward. “I just thought: ‘Why not take a chance?’” Keller explained.
Facing off against Canadian goaltender Ann-Renee Desbiens, Keller made her move. Desbiens acknowledged the challenge: “When she cut to the middle for the backhand shot, it’s tough to predict where it will go.” In the end, the puck slid past her, bringing the U.S. team to victory.
Even Heise, who had skated off towards the bench, didn’t see the shot. She only realized what happened from the ecstatic reactions of her teammates. “That’s all that matters,” she said, joining the celebration on the ice.
Laila Edwards, whose shot earlier tied the game, marveled at Keller’s skill. “I thought it was Connor McDavid out there,” she said, expressing her pride in her teammate.
This game marks a significant moment for women’s hockey, reflecting a trend in increasing competitiveness and skill level in the sport. A recent survey noted that viewership for women’s hockey during the Olympics has risen by 35% compared to the previous games, showcasing the growing interest and investment in women’s sports.
As similar high-stakes moments unfold, it’s clear that players like Keller are not just part of a team but embody the spirit of a new era in women’s athletics. For ongoing updates and detailed coverage, check out the AP Winter Olympics page here.
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Megan Keller, Taylor Heise, Claire Thompson, Ann Renee Desbiens, Olympic games, Hockey, Soccer, 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic Games, Womens hockey, 2026 Winter Olympics, Olympic hockey, Sports, Hilary Knight, Alina Muller, Canada, Connor McDavid, AC Milan, Laila Edwards
