USA produce 1st victory over Canada in men's ice hockey in 12 years

The last time the United States beat Canada in men's ice hockey at the Olympic Winter Games, snowboarder Shaun White had won his second gold medal. It was at Vancouver 2010.

On Saturday (12 February), White was there to witness firsthand USA's first victory over Canada in a dozen years, a 4-2 statement win in Group A.

"It’s huge", said captain Andy Miele, who had a goal and an assist for his young team loaded with collegiate players. "That was a big challenge for our young group and I think we responded well.

"We’re excited, we’re going to refocus now on Germany continue to build our game every game".

His Canadian counterpart Eric Staal said the game was there for the taking, but didn't.

"It was competitive early obviously", the Stanley Cup winner said. "We got the lead and some chances against cost us. It was close to tying it at the end of the second with a couple of good chances and hit the post.

"In the third we had some looks but they capitalised to extend the lead and we didn’t have enough. We’ll try to respond and be ready for tomorrow’s game".

In what could be the only meeting of the arch-rivals at Beijing 2022, USA dealt Canada their first defeat of the Games.

Mat Robinson opened the scoring for the Canadians in the second minute but the Americans quickly restored parity a minute later thanks to Miele.

USA grabbed the lead on 18 minutes as Ben Meyers found the net just before the second period.

Brendan Brisson made it 3-1 for David Quinn's men after 22 minutes. Corban Knight pulled Canada, the PyeongChang 2018 bronze medallists, within one with 5:47 left in the period but it wasn't meant to be their day.

USA scored a fourth in the 47th minute through Kenny Agostino. Canada, who next face hosts China, had an excellent chance down the stretch with a 5-on-3 power play but failed to pounce as the American defense buckled down and held fort.

Said Staal, "We had enough chances to score. There were a lot of looks around that crease and if we do that, we’ll score some goals in the power play.

"Sometimes they don’t fall for you and it’s about how you continue with it".

Brian O'Neill said the victory will go a long way for an inexperienced USA team relying on pace and the fountain of youth.

"Anytime we play in the Olympics, USA vs Canada - it’s huge," O'Neill said.

"I don’t care what the situation is, all the controversy around it, that was a really huge game for us. I’m glad we got the win because that’s a tough team to beat.

"We got off to a good start and I think some of our young guys got some confidence with the win - validating that first win against Canada, really, really important.

"That’s a really good hockey team over there, they play the right way, really well coached".

For the second straight Games, players from the National Hockey League are not competing.