Canadiens' Lane Hutson Celebrates U.S. Olympic Gold Medal Victory
While Canadian hockey fans were left heartbroken by a 2-1 overtime loss to the United States in the gold-medal game at the Milano Cortina Olympics, Montreal Canadiens defenceman Lane Hutson found reason to celebrate. The American-born player watched Team USA secure victory just hours before showcasing his own skills at the Canadiens' annual team event.
A Day of Mixed Emotions for Hockey Fans
The Canadiens held their annual skills competition at Bell Centre on February 22, 2026, creating a family-friendly atmosphere that contrasted with the Olympic disappointment. Tickets started at just $14, with proceeds benefiting the Montreal Canadiens Children's Foundation and NHLPA Goals & Dreams, making it accessible for fans who might not afford regular game tickets.
Hutson, who grew up in the Chicago area after being born in Michigan, expressed genuine excitement about the American victory despite not being selected for the Olympic team himself. "I started watching it at my place and then, as soon as it went to OT, guys were heading over," Hutson explained. "So headed over for OT and finished it here. It was a really good game."
Historic Olympic Moments and Personal Aspirations
The gold-medal game featured dramatic moments, including Jack Hughes scoring the winning goal 1:41 into three-on-three overtime after having two front teeth knocked out by a high-stick from Canada's Sam Bennett. Hughes' bloodied, flag-draped celebration photo immediately became iconic for USA Hockey.
Hutson compared Sunday's victory to the legendary "Miracle on Ice" at the 1980 Olympics, noting this marked the first American men's hockey gold since that historic upset. "Pretty huge for USA Hockey," Hutson said. "It was fun to watch. I think we're setting new standards every year."
The defenceman acknowledged his own Olympic aspirations, stating: "It's always fun to watch, for sure, but you always dream of playing and winning and hopefully down the road I could be a part of it someday."
Skills Competition Highlights and Standout Performances
While Hutson didn't win Olympic gold, he claimed victory in the fastest-skater event at the Canadiens skills competition with a lap time of 13.624 seconds around the rink, beating out teammates Zachary Bolduc (13.855) and Joe Veleno (14.437).
The event's most impressive display came from Arber Xhekaj, who won the hardest-shot competition for the third consecutive year. After initial shots of 101.9 mph and 102.4 mph, Xhekaj switched to a longer stick and unleashed a personal-best blast of 107.3 mph on his extra attempt. While this fell short of Zdeno Chara's official NHL record of 108.8 mph set in 2012, it demonstrated remarkable power.
Other notable performances included:
- Jake Evans winning the shooting-accuracy event in 7.757 seconds
- Jayden Struble finishing second in hardest shot at 102.2 mph
- Mike Matheson placing third in hardest shot at 100.3 mph
Canadiens Players Return from Olympic Duty
The skills competition provided a welcome distraction for Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki, who returned with a silver medal after representing Canada at the Olympics. Teammate Oliver Kapanen earned a bronze medal with Finland.
Goaltender Samuel Montembeault praised Suzuki's Olympic performance: "He was so good. He got a really clutch goal when the whole country needed it and today I think he fit in really well after Crosby's injury on that line."
With the Olympic chapter closed, the Canadiens now turn their attention back to the NHL season, resuming play against the New York Islanders at Bell Centre. The skills competition served as both entertainment for fans and a bonding experience for players transitioning from international competition to regular season hockey.
