In 2022, John Wroblewski took over as head coach of the Team USA women’s hockey program.
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In the process, he took over a team with a rich history on the international stage, holder of two previous Winter Olympic gold medals, including in 2018, just four years before he took over. But it wasn’t until February 2026 that Wroblewski’s first Olympic coaching position finally arrived.
On Thursday, their decision to take that job paid off, as the United States defeated Canada, 2-1, in overtime of the gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
There was no overreaction from Team USA’s head coach. Instead, he had an emotional moment when Megan Keller’s goal secured the gold.
Here’s a look at Wroblewski’s emotional reaction when the United States took the gold medal in women’s hockey.
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US women’s hockey coach John Wroblewski cries after winning gold medal
The United States came into Thursday knowing they would get a medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, but with a long-standing rivalry against Canada (often playing each other for gold at the Winter Olympics every four years), the matchup meant much more than just receiving a silver medal.
After a tense match that went to overtime thanks to a goal from Hilary Knight, it was Megan Keller’s score in overtime that won Team USA.
Immediately afterwards, John Wroblewski was seen on the United States bench with tears in his eyes.
Wroblewski’s reaction came as his players gathered in celebration and joy.
Wroblewski, 44, is the former head coach of the USA Hockey National Team Development Program and Ontario Reign in the American Hockey League. In his own playing career, he played at Notre Dame.
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FURTHER: How Megan Keller’s goal won gold for Team USA