USA coach's tears of joy perfectly sums up women's hockey gold medal win over Canada

In 2022, John Wroblewski took over as the head coach of Team USA's women's hockey program.

In the process, he took over a team with a rich history on the international stage, owning two previous gold medals at the Winter Olympics — including in 2018, just four years prior to him taking the job. But it wasn't until February 2026 that Wroblewski's first Olympics coaching job finally arrived.

On Thursday, his decision to take that job paid off, as the United States downed Canada, 2-1, in overtime of the gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

There was no over-the-top, hype reaction from the Team USA head coach. Instead, he had an emotional moment as Megan Keller's goal secured gold.

Here's a look at Wroblewski's emotional reaction to the United States claiming the gold medal in women's hockey.

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USA women's hockey coach John Wroblewski cries after winning gold medal

The U.S. came into Thursday knowing it would medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, but with a longtime rivalry against Canada — often playing one another for gold in the Winter Olympics every four years — the matchup meant far more than receiving just a silver medal.

After a tense game that went to overtime thanks to a Hilary Knight goal, it was Megan Keller's score in the extra period that won it for Team USA. 

Immediately after, John Wroblewski was seen on the United States' bench with tears in his eyes.

Women’s USA hockey wins the gold medal in OT! John Wroblewski cries as his team brings home the gold for the USA🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/IKN4zDFQ1h

Wroblewski's reaction came while his players huddled together in celebration and joy.

The moment Team USA became Olympic Champions 🇺🇸🦅 #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/F825zLZ8PQ

Wroblewski, 44, is the former head coach of the USA Hockey National Team Development Program and Ontario Reign in the American Hockey League. In his own playing career, he played at Notre Dame.

MORE: How Megan Keller's goal won gold for Team USA