US Team Defeats Canada 2-1 in Overtime, Ending 46-Year Wait
Bars across Manhattan were packed from early morning on February 22nd as fans gathered to cheer on the US men's hockey team, which defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime to win their first Olympic gold medal since 1980.
The final match, held at Milano Santaguila Arena in Milan, began just after 8 AM New York time. This victory concluded a nearly half-century wait since the "Miracle on Ice" in Lake Placid.
Manhattan Bars Packed Before Puck Drop
At the Blue Haven bar on 3rd Avenue, fans crammed into tables well before the game started. Sam Buchanan, from Connecticut, said that an Olympic moment only comes once every four years, making it worth waking up early to enjoy with friends.
Evan Decastro stated he rescheduled personal appointments to watch the game, calling it an experience far exceeding everyday joys. Ken Greissman, a New York resident, noted that Olympic sports bring a rare sense of unity amidst challenging living costs and harsh weather.
Photographer Kyle Smith booked a table two days in advance to secure a spot, describing the joy of victory as the greatest feeling for a New York sports fan in years.
Both US Men's and Women's Teams Win Gold
The US women's team also won gold last week after defeating Canada. However, on Sunday morning, all attention was on the men's team as they overcame their traditional rivals in a tense match.
The celebratory atmosphere lasted for hours, with cheers and raised beer glasses amidst the cold winter, marking one of the city's liveliest bar mornings of the year.
