Who scored Team USA’s first goal? Meet Matt Boldy, who made the highlight-reel play of the Olympics

It was the goal of the tournament.

It just so happened to arrive for Team USA to open the scoring against Canada in the 20226 Winter Olympics gold medal game in Milan.

What a moment for the United States. What a moment for Matt Boldy.

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Who scored Team USA’s first goal?

Matt Boldy was the early hero for Team USA.

He picked up the puck at his own blue line, flipped it past two defensemen, found his way in on Canadian goalie Jordan Binnington, and flipped a backhand shot past him.

It was an incredible goal:

MATT BOLDY, JUGGLED THE PUCK IN MID AIR AND SCORED 🤯

WHAT A GOAL, THE USA IS UP 1-0 EARLY 🚨 pic.twitter.com/M9IJ7qKgJP

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) February 22, 2026

Who is Matt Boldy?

Boldy is a superstar for the Minnesota Wild in the NHL.

He scored 32 goals before the Olympic break, the most of any player on Team USA.

Boldy is originally from Milford, Massachusetts. 

And now, he’s a U.S. legend.

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