Western New Yorkers win gold with women's Olympic hockey team

In a thrilling overtime victory at the Milano Cortina Games, the U.S. women's hockey team clinched their third Olympic gold medal by defeating Canada 2-1.

 

Defender Megan Keller secured the win with a backhand goal 4:07 into overtime, following a late equalizer by captain Hilary Knight, who deflected a shot from Laila Edwards to tie the game with just over two minutes remaining in regulation.

 

The roster featured several standout athletes from Western New York, including Hayley Scamurra of Buffalo, who contributed two goals during the tournament.

 

Additionally, Haley Winn from Webster and Bishop Kearney alumni Laila Edwards, Caroline Harvey, and Ava McNoughton played pivotal roles in the team's success.

 

Edwards made history as the first Black woman to score for Team USA in Olympic hockey.

 

Fans gathered at local venues, such as Barry’s Bar in Fairport, to watch the game.

 

Mike Barker, a Bishop Kearney alumnus and current teacher, expressed his pride: "I wouldn't be anyplace else but here to watch them win the gold medal."

 

The coaching staff at Bishop Kearney also shared their excitement.

 

Girls' hockey director Cari Coen remarked, "We knew these girls could do it."

 

U19 coach Chelsea Walkland added, "We're so incredibly proud of them."

 

The U.S. team dominated the tournament, finishing with a perfect 7-0 record and outscoring opponents 33-2.

 

Coen emphasized the impact on the community: "If you see it, you can be it. These girls can go do it one day. It's so special for New York and the Rochester community."

 

For a closer look at the team's gold medal ceremony, watch the video below: