The United States beat rival Canada 2-1 in the women’s ice hockey final at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics at Santa Giulia Arena in Milan on Feb. 20 (Korea time), returning to the top of the podium for the first time in eight years.
Edwards played a key role throughout the tournament and helped drive the attack in the final. With the U.S. trailing 1-0 late in the third period, she assisted Hilary Knight’s tying goal. The Americans then scored the winner in overtime.
After the game, Edwards raised her hand toward her family in the crowd. Her 91-year-old grandmother, Ernestine Gray, was among those watching in person.
According to The Associated Press, cost initially made the trip difficult. Bringing 10 family members from Cleveland Heights, Ohio, required significant expenses, and the family could afford to send only some of them.
Local residents and fans then organized fundraising, and a GoFundMe started by her father raised $61,000. NFL players Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce, both from Cleveland, donated $10,000 and initially did so anonymously.
In the end, 10 family members and four friends made it to the arena, and Edwards clinched the title with them watching.
“Having my family here means everything to me,” Edwards said after the game. “It’s hard to put into words what it means to show the people who helped me get here my dream coming true.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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