Hughes, who appeared lose teeth from an incident in the third quarter, scored 1:41 into overtime to spark pandemonium in Milan and all across the United States. It is the country's first gold in men's hockey since the 'Miracle on Ice' in 1980 and 46 years to the day since that win over the Soviet Union.

As Donald Trump took to Truth Social to praise the team for winning gold, an emotional Hughes said seconds after his goal: 'This is all about our country right now. I love the USA. I'm so proud to be American today. I love my country, I love my teammates. 

'That's American hockey right there. That's a great Canadian team but this means so much. We are such a team. The USA brotherhood in this team is so strong, so much support from ex-players. I cannot believe this. It could have gone either way tonight.'

Hughes will go down in history as the man who won it but the USA would have lost this game if it wasn't for an extraordinary performance by goalie Connor Hellebuyck, who saved 41 of the 42 shots fired at him.

'He was our best player tonight by a mile,' Hughes said, and there won't be anyone who disagrees. 'Unbelievable game. Just a ballsy, gutsy win.'

Hughes, who is rumored to be dating Canadian pop star Tate McRae, also paid a gnarly price for his medal. He lost nearly all of a front tooth after getting struck in the face in the third quarter and blood was still coming from his mouth during his post-game celebrations.

The team will return to the United States on Monday. They were scheduled to fly into New York but with a blizzard approaching the Big Apple on Sunday, the team will fly to Miami instead. 

Trump, meanwhile, took to Truth Social to praise Hughes and his team, writing on Sunday: 'Congratulations to our great U.S.A. Ice Hockey team. THEY WON THE GOLD. WOW! WHAT A GAME!!!'

It had been a dream start for the Americans. Matt Boldy put the US ahead exactly six minutes into the game with his team's first shot of the gold medal showdown.

He got the puck from Auston Matthews, batted it to himself off his stick blade to maneuver between Canadian defensemen Devon Toews and Cale Makar and slid a backhand past goalie Jordan Binnington. 

In the second quarter, the momentum shifted and Canada started to take control of the game. They got the scores level with Cale Makar beating Connor Hellebuyck, the Canada pressure finally paying off with 1:44 left on the clock in the second period.

But the USA were desperately unlucky not to get back into the lead just a minute later.

A thunderous hit from Brock Faber hit the right and left post before rebounding out from the Canadian goal. It was desperately unlucky for the Americans, and very fortunate for Canada goalie Jordan Binnington.