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MILAN — This wasn't a miracle. It was a moment of magic.

Forty-six years to the day after a bunch of unheralded amateurs stunned the heavily favored Soviet Union en route to winning Olympic gold, the U.S. men's hockey team engineered another epic victory. The Americans won a battle of the sport's superpowers on Sunday, toppling longtime nemesis Canada 2-1 in overtime to win their country's first Olympic gold in men's hockey since the famed 1980 "Miracle on Ice."

Jack Hughes scored the decisive goal, ripping a shot past Jordan Binnington less than three minutes into 3-versus-3 overtime.

The Americans forced overtime only because Connor Hellebuyck withstood target practice from Canada's all-world forward corps. Hellebuyck made incredible save after incredible save against constant Canadian pressure, turning away 41 of the 42 shots he faced.

To win gold was a dream fulfilled for the American players. To do it at Canada's expense made it all the more satisfying and cathartic.

In the biggest moments, Canada had previously owned this rivalry since NHL players began participating in the Olympics in 1998. Canada won gold-medal matches against the U.S. at the 2002 and 2010 Olympics and shut out the Americans in the 2014 semifinals. The U.S. did beat Canada in round-robin play at last year's 4 Nations Face-Off, but when it mattered, the Americans lost again.

A winner-take-all showdown between the U.S. and Canada has long been the most enticing potential matchup at these Olympics, but neither hockey superpower had the luxury of just strolling to the gold-medal match. The U.S. needed an overtime game winner from Quinn Hughes to survive Sweden in the quarterfinals. Canada rallied to overcome third-period deficits against Czechia in the quarters and Finland in the semis.

That set up the gold-medal matchup that the hockey world has waited a dozen years to see on an Olympic stage. Bars opened before sunrise in New York, Minneapolis, Milwaukee and other hockey hotbeds. Fans across the U.S. watched "Miracle" on Saturday night to hype themselves up, set their alarm clocks for an early wakeup and then gathered over early-morning beers and bloody marys.

The scene was even more festive across the Atlantic. The Milan metro was awash with Canada and U.S. jerseys of every era, Eruzione, Gretzky, McDavid and Tkachuk. Chants of "U-S-A" and "Let's go Canada" rang out as the train hurtled toward Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. One particularly brazen fan in a USA cap playfully tried to start a chant of "51st state." Outnumbered by Canadians, he was quickly shouted down.

The combination of speed, skill and physicality on display lived up to pregame expectations once the puck dropped. There were ooohs and ahhhs every few seconds from fans on both sides as the Americans and Canadians generated scoring chances.

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It was American fans who had reason to cheer first. Six minutes into the first period, Matt Boldy scored a goal that was a product of both individual stickhandling brilliance and defensive negligence.

With Cale Makar and Devon Toews between him and the Canadian net, Boldy deftly flipped the puck over both their sticks and skated unencumbered right between two of the NHL's top defensemen. Then he deked a stunned Binnington and beat the Canadian goaltender with a backhand.

The Americans withstood unrelenting Canadian pressure for most of the second period, even killing off the 5-on-3 power play that lasted 93 seconds. Hellebuyck made a series of massive saves at close range, even stuffing the Olympics' leading points scorer Connor McDavid on a breakaway.

Then, just when it seemed like a period of squandered opportunities for Canada, Makar beat Hellebuyck with a wicked wrist shot from the right faceoff circle. It was an absolutely perfect shot from Makar, just over Hellebuyck's right pad but just under the blocker.

That set the stage for a pressure-packed third period with the Canadians pushing hard for a game winner and the Americans desperately trying to withstand it long enough to give themselves the chance for a moment of magic.

In the opening minutes of the third period, Hellebuyck robbed Toews at the last possible moment, reaching behind his back with his stick to keep the Canadian defenseman's point-blank shot from crossing the goal line. Minutes later, Macklin Celebrini had a clear breakaway, but Hellebuyck denied him with a pad save.

Hellebuyck withstood the onslaught.

Hughes delivered an overtime goal for the ages.

And now the U.S. gold-medal drought is over.

Follow along with Yahoo Sports for the latest updates from the Olympics men's ice hockey final, featuring Team USA against Team Canada:

Content warning:This story contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide and needs support now, call or text 988 or chat with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at988lifeline.org.

Thedeath of Rondale Moore, a talented wide receiver whose pro and college careers were marred by injuries, sent a tragic jolt through the NFL on Saturday.

The news came after two straight missed seasons for Moore, who sustained season-ending knee injuries during the preseason in 2024 and 2025. His talent had never been in doubt since his All-American season at Purdue as a freshman in 2018, but luck was never on his side.

New Albany police chief Todd Bailey told reporters Saturday night thatMoore was found in a garage with a gunshot wound suspected to be self-inflicted.

What soon became clear is that Moore was beloved and respected by his NFL peers, all of whom knew what he was capable of when healthy. He had friends throughout the league, and one of them, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown, was hit particularly hard.

The two played together for two seasons on the Arizona Cardinals, and Brown posted on social media that he had received messages from Moore just hours earlier. He later posted a screenshot of an encouraging message he sent Moore last August, a couple of days after Moore's injury.

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Both Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray and Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. alluded to recent conversations with Moore, as well.

The NFL Players Association, for which Moore served as a player rep,posted a statement urging its members to reach out for support if they're struggling with mental health and to check on their teammates:

"In moments like this, we are reminded of how much our players carry, on and off the field. To our members: Please know that support is always within reach. Check on your teammates and prioritize your mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling, we encourage you to take advantage of the many confidential resources and services available to you through the NFLPA."

Many other players concurred, telling their followers to check in on their loved ones.

Carolina Panthers cornerback Mike Jackson also came forward with his own experience going to therapy.

Las Vegas Raiders safety Jamal Adams had his own take, questioning the treatment of "injury prone" players such as Moore and reminding his followers how arduous the recovery process can be, both mentally and physically.

Above all, the reaction is a reminder that athletes are humans at their core. No one feels the pain of an injury as much as they do, but that doesn't stop the torrent of vitriol that can be aimed at them on social media for the crime of not being able to do their jobs. It seems to be a league-wide frustration — one that spans the sports industry, really — and the players can only hope they're listened to in the aftermath of Moore's death.

Team USA's 2-1 overtime victory over Canadahelped the country win its first Olympic gold in men's hockey since the famed 1980 "Miracle on Ice."

Team USA center Jack Hughes scored the team's overtime goal, exchanging his knocked-out tooth for a gold medal. Team USA goalie Connor Hellebuyck saved 41 of the 42 shots he faced.

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Olympic gold medalists Lindsey Vonn, Apolo Ohno and Mikaela Shiffrin expressed their support for Team USA's hockey team on social media.

Super Bowl champions Tom Brady,Jason Kelceand Kurt Warner, and current NFL players George Kittle and J.J. McCarthy were also watching the game.

Phoenix Suns Devin Booker got up early to tune in as welll, while Indiana Pacers Tyreese Haliburton shouted out Hellebuyck's performance.

MEXICO CITY (AP) — The Mexican army killed the leader of theJalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes,"El Mencho," on Sunday, decapitating what had become Mexico's most powerful cartel and giving the government its biggest prize yet to show the Trump administration its efforts.

Mexico Cartel Death

Oseguera Cervantes was wounded in an operation to capture him Sunday in Tapalpa, Jalisco about a two-hour drive southwest of Guadalajara and he died while being flown to Mexico City, the Defense Department said in a statement. The state is the base of the cartel known for trafficking huge quantities of fentanyl and other drugs to the United States.

During the operation, troops came under fire and killed four people at the location. Three more people, includingOseguera Cervantes,were wounded and later died, the statement said. Two others were arrested and armored vehicles, rocket launchers and other arms were seized. Three members of the armed forces were wounded and receiving medical treatment.

Roadblocks and burning vehicles

The killing of the powerful drug lord set off several hours of roadblocks with burning vehicles in Jalisco and other states. Such tactics are commonly used by the cartels to block military operations. Jalisco canceled school in the state for Monday.

Videos circulating on social media showed plumes of smoke billowing over the tourist city of Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco, and people sprinting through the airport of the state's capital in panic. On Sunday afternoon, Air Canada announced it was suspending flights to Puerto Vallarta "due to an ongoing security situation" and advised customers not to go to their airport.

In Guadalajara, the state capital, burning vehicles blocked roads. Mexico's second-largest city is scheduled tohost matches during this summer's soccer World Cup.

The U.S. State Department warned U.S. citizens in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon states to remain in safe places due to the ongoing security operations. Canada's embassy in Mexico warned its citizens in Puerto Vallarta to shelter in place and generally to keep a low profile in Jalisco.

Jalisco Gov. Pablo Lemus told residents to stay at home and suspended public transportation.

US had offered up to $15 million for his capture

The U.S. State Department had offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to the arrest of El Mencho. TheJalisco New Generation Cartel,known as CJNG, is one of the most powerful and fastest growing criminal organizations in Mexico and was born in 2009.

In February, the Trump administration designated the cartel as a foreign terrorist organization.

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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, like her predecessor, has criticized the "kingpin" strategy of previous administrations that took out cartel leaders only to trigger explosions of violence as cartels fractured. While she has remained popular in Mexico, security is a persistent concern and since U.S. President Donald Trump took office a year ago, she has been under tremendous pressure to show results against drug trafficking.

Known as aggressive cartel

The Jalisco cartel has been one of the most aggressive cartels in its attacks on the military — including on helicopters — and is apioneer in launching explosives from drones and installing mines. In 2020, it carried out a spectacular assassination attempt with grenades and high-powered rifles in the heart of Mexico City against the then head of the capital's police force and now federal security secretary.

The DEA considers the cartel to be as powerful as the Sinaloa cartel, one of Mexico's most infamous criminal groups, with a presence in all 50 U.S. states. It is one of the main suppliers of cocaine to the U.S. market and, like the Sinaloa cartel, earns billions from the production of fentanyl and methamphetamines. Sinaloa, however, has been weakened by infighting after the loss of its leaders Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada and Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, both in U.S. custody.

Oseguera Cervantes, 59, was originally from Aguililla in the neighboring state of Michoacan. He had been significantly involved in drug trafficking activities since the 1990s. When he was younger, he migrated to the U.S. where he was convicted of conspiracy to distribute heroin in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in 1994 and served nearly three years in prison.

Following his release from custody, Oseguera Cervantes returned to Mexico and reengaged in drug trafficking activity with drug lord Ignacio Coronel Villarreal, alias "Nacho Coronel." After Villarreal's death, Oseguera Cervantes and Erik Valencia Salazar, alias "El 85", created the Jalisco New Generation Cartel around 2007.

Initially, they worked for the Sinaloa Cartel, but eventually split and for years the two cartels have battled for territory across Mexico.

Indicted several times in the United States

Since 2017, Oseguera Cervantes has been indicted several times in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.

The most recent superseding indictment, filed on April 5, 2022, charges Oseguera Cervantes with conspiracy and distribution of controlled substances (methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl) for the purpose of illegal importation into the United States and use of firearms during and in connection with drug trafficking offenses. Oseguera Cervantes is also charged under the Drug Kingpin Enforcement Act for directing a continuing criminal enterprise.

Last year, people searching formissing relativesfounds piles of shoes and other clothing, as well as bone fragments at what authorities later said was aJalisco cartel recruitment and training site.

AP writer María Verza contributed to this report.

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A Colombian congresswoman whose conservative party is closely aligned with the right-wing ideologies of US President Donald Trump says her son was detained last month by ICE agents amid the US crackdown on immigration.

Ángela Vergara says she decided to go public with the case last week in part because her son has not yet been allowed to return to Colombia despite having requested voluntary departure, but also to raise awareness about the harsh conditions Colombian immigrants are facing in the US.

The case has sparked a debate online, with critics questioning why Vergara, a member of a party that often backs Trump, came out in defense of immigrants only after her son's detention.

Vergara has pushed back against the criticism, insisting that she has never supported immigration policies that she says violate human rights.

"This isn't a political issue; it's really a human rights issue," she told CNN. "Being a conservative politician doesn't mean I agree with human rights violations in Colombia or anywhere else in the world."

ICE detention

Vergara says her son Rafael, 23, has been locked up for more than 20 days at the River Correctional Detention Center in Louisiana, in what she describes as "inhumane conditions." She says he is being held along with a number of Colombians waiting for a repatriation flight home.

"He told me that he was with 70 people in a cell, that they had gone 12 hours the day before without drinking water, (and) everyone was sick," Vergara recounted to CNN.

The congresswoman said Rafael had been detained by ICE agents after a routine inspection while driving a commercial cargo truck in Louisiana.

She insists Rafael has been living in the US legally with a work permit and paying into social security. She says he applied for asylum a year after arriving in 2022 and was awaiting an asylum hearing scheduled for 2028.

CNN has reached out to the US Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, for more information.

After learning of her son's arrest, Vergara said the family requested his voluntary return to Colombia, thinking it would be the quickest way to resolve the matter. But more than 20 days after his arrest, she says her son remains in detention.

She attributes the delay to a "bottleneck" in the repatriation process that has left thousands of Colombians stranded in the US waiting for a limited number of flights.

Colombia signed an agreement earlier this month to resume repatriation flights from the US. Foreign Minister Rosa Villavicencio said that approximately one flight per week would be carried out over the next few months.

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Vergara says she has asked the Colombian government to expedite transfers and increase the frequency of humanitarian flights.

Controversy over ideology

Vergara's Conservative Party maintains many positions that are more aligned with the American right than with Colombia's left-wing government led by President Gustavo Petro and has often expressed support for the Republican Party in the US.

In 2024, the Colombian Conservatives "celebrated" the electoral victories of Trump and his fellow Republicans in the House and Senate.

Last year, when the Trump administration decertified Colombia as a partner in the fight against drug trafficking, the partycondemned,not Trump, but Colombia's president for criticizing the US leader. It issued a statement pledging to support the US drug fighting measures.

In September, after the killing of prominent US conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Vergaraexpressed condolencesand support for the activist, saying, "His departure represents a loss for those of us who firmly defend life, family, and freedom."

Still, despite sharing some views with the American right, Vergara insists she doesn't support inhumane immigration policies.

"I have always demanded due process and humane treatment for Colombians, both inside and outside the country," she recently wrote on X.

Vergara says her conversative leanings have caused people to make false assumptions about her.

This week, she denied being a member of the group "Latinas for Trump," as many people online have alleged. She also denied that she celebrated the deportations of Latinos or called for a US invasion of Colombia.

On Tuesday, social media users and some news outlets shared a video of a woman dancing in a MAGA hat, whom they incorrectly identified as Vergara.

The video was also shared by Petro, who later took down his post after Vergara denied it was her in it.

In his post, Petro had also addressed the detention of Vergara's son and asked the Colombian Embassy in Washington to provide him with consular assistance: "No matter the paradox, the Colombian embassy in the US must help … this Colombian congresswoman to recover her son."

CNN has reached out to the Colombian presidency for comment on the matter.

Vergara told CNN she thought it was positive that Petro addressed the issue but insisted that he needs to respond to her request for humanitarian flights.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account atCNN.com

By Emilio Parodi

Demonstration under the slogan "Olympics - No Thanks" on the day of the Winter Olympics closing ceremony, in Verona

VERONA, Italy, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Hundreds of people marched through the streets of Verona a few hours before the Olympics closing ‌ceremony to protest against housing costs and environmental concerns linked to ‌the Winter Games.

The rally, "Olympics? No thanks", was organised by university groups and associations that oppose hosting ​an event they say disrupts forests, pours concrete onto fragile land and deepens social inequality.

"We are here to defend our territory from speculation... and from the impossible cost of attending events," said Giannina Dal Bosco, a 76‑year‑old activist.

Tickets for the ceremony ‌were priced from 950 ⁠euros ($1,120) to a top level of 2,900 euros. It started at 8:30 p.m. (1930 GMT) inside Verona's ancient Roman arena.

One banner read: "Fewer ⁠Games for the few, more homes for everyone."

Francesca, 34, who travelled from Vicenza, about 60 km (40 miles) away, said the landscape had been "disfigured" by new Olympic structures.

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"They built ​concrete ​monstrosities like the bobsleigh track, which will ​serve no purpose," she said. "Public money ‌has been wasted that could have been used for hydrogeological safety and housing plans."

Several protesters wore keffiyeh scarves and waved Palestinian flags.

Protesters marched for around two hours outside the security perimeter, from the 16th‑century Porta Palio to the 19th‑century Arsenal Square.

They briefly stopped at the point closest to the red zone, unsuccessfully ‌asking to be allowed inside. Before the march ​moved on, activists painted the words "FIVE CIRCLES, A ​THOUSAND DEBTS" in large letters ​on the road.

Verona's mayor Damiano Tommasi said high‑profile events such ‌as the Olympics always carried the ​risk of people seeking ​visibility and trying to exploit the moment, and that it was appropriate to deploy a heightened level of security.

A much larger demonstration — drawing nearly ​10,000 people — took place ‌in Milan on the first day of the Games and later ​turned violent.

($1 = 0.8482 euros)

(Reporting by Emilio Parodi; Writing by Giselda Vagnoni; ​Editing by Ed Osmond and Alison Williams)

MILAN (AP) — Jack Hughes' overtime goal against Canada gave the United States its firstOlympic gold medal in men's hockeysince 1980 — and on the 46th anniversary of the "Miracle on Ice" no less.

APTOPIX Milan Cortina Olympics Ice Hockey

Hughes, who hadlost a tooth or twofrom a high stick during the game, scored off a pass from Zach Werenski early into 3-on-3 overtime to clinch a 2-1 victory Sunday.

"It doesn't matter about the goal. Just an unbelievable team, unbelievable team win," Hughes said. "We're just so proud to win for our country.

"The best experiences I have are playing for my country, playing to break the golden drought with this group of guys and for us to win gold here at the Olympics, just an unbelievable moment," he added.

There was a hint of sadness amid the joy as Werenski and Matthew Tkachuk carried a Johnny Gaudreau No. 13 jersey around the ice in tribute to the beloved player whodied in August 2024along with his brother when they were struck by an SUV while riding bicycles.

The Americans' victory Sunday was their 12th gold of theMilan Cortina Games. TheUS women's hockey team had also won gold— also in a 2-1 overtime victory over Canada in the final.

Norway topped the final medal countwith 18 golds and 41 medals overall — best in both categories.

Eileen Gu defends Olympic halfpipe title

Eileen Gu is now six-for-six in Olympic medal events afteranother halfpipe victory.

The 22-year-old Gu, American-born but competing for her mother's homeland of China, is already themost decorated freeskierin the short history of the sport at the Olympics. She also captured two silver medals at the Milan Cortina Games, to pair with two golds and a silver from the Beijing Games.

Gu won her last event on the strength of her second run, a clean, technically sound pass. She got even better in her final run — pumping his ski poles after landing the final trick — and finished with a score of 94.75. Her teammate, Li Fanghui, took silver andZoe Atkinof Britain was third.

The event was rescheduled to Sunday following a big snowstormthe night before.

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Sweden's big day

First, Ebba Andersson pulled away from the pack towin the 50-kilometer mass startcross-country ski race and earn redemptionfor her crashthat cost Sweden a gold medal in the team relay.

"I've dreamed about this day for a long time now and it's almost unbelievable that everything went as planned," she said.

And thenSweden's curling moms beat Switzerlandto give the Scandinavian nation another gold.

Diggins concludes glittering Olympic career

Jessie Digginsfinished fifth in the 50-kilometer mass start cross-country ski race. Just a few seconds shy of one more medal.

She's OK with that.

"I can confidently say I could not possibly have tried harder or gotten more out of my body," the 34-year-old Diggins said.

It marked the final Olympic event for an athlete who transformed American cross‑country skiing and became a symbol of endurance.

Lochner's bobsled sweep

In bobsled, Germany's Johannes Lochner addedthe four-man goldto his two-man title.

Lochner — who announced his retirement months ago — capped his career with his second gold medal of these Olympics, winning the four-man event over two-time defending Olympic champion Francesco Friedrich by 0.57 seconds.

"It's just such a dream. … It's indescribable," Lochner said. "A moment for eternity. A perfect finish, the most perfect finish ever."

AP Olympics:https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics