Olympics Day Highlights: USA vs Slovakia Semifinal; Alex Ferreira Wins Freeski Halfpipe Gold as Curling Squad Falls to Switzerland
The USA vs Slovakia men’s hockey semifinal headlined an action-packed day at the 2026 Winter Olympics on February 20 in Milan–Cortina. Team USA delivered a commanding 6–2 victory, advancing to its first Olympic gold medal game since 2010. The Americans will face Canada on February 22 at 8:10 a.m. ET in a rivalry matchup that defines Olympic hockey.
On the slopes, Alex Ferreira captured gold in men’s freeski halfpipe with a 93.75 score, completing his Olympic medal collection after silver in 2018 and bronze in 2022. Meanwhile, the U.S. women’s curling team fell to Switzerland in the semifinals and now shifts focus to the bronze medal match. These results shaped Team USA’s medal push entering the final weekend of competition and reinforced its depth across ice and snow disciplines.
USA vs Slovakia: Offensive Depth Powers Semifinal Win
The USA vs Slovakia semifinal was effectively decided by the second intermission. Team USA built a 5–0 lead through two periods, overwhelming Slovakia with speed and precision passing. Jack Hughes scored twice, while Dylan Larkin, Brady Tkachuk, Jack Eichel, and Tage Thompson each added a goal.
Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck stopped 22 shots, maintaining control despite Slovakia’s late push. Slovakia’s goals came from Juraj Slafkovsky and Pavol Regenda, but the damage was already done. The United States outshot Slovakia 39–24, controlling puck possession and limiting high-danger chances.
Semifinal Game Stats
| Category | USA | Slovakia |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 6 | 2 |
| Shots on Goal | 39 | 24 |
| Goals in First 2 Periods | 5 | 0 |
| Goalie Saves | 22 | — |
| Next Opponent | Canada (Gold) | Finland (Bronze) |
The victory marks the United States’ first Olympic men’s hockey final appearance in 16 years. It also signals a balanced roster capable of scoring across all lines, which will be crucial against Canada’s defensive strength.
Alex Ferreira Claims Historic Freeski Gold
Alex Ferreira delivered one of the most polished performances of the Games in the men’s freeski halfpipe final at Livigno Snow Park. His third run scored 93.75, the highest mark of the competition, securing Olympic gold at age 31.
Ferreira’s victory completes his Olympic medal set:
- Silver — 2018 PyeongChang
- Bronze — 2022 Beijing
- Gold — 2026 Milan–Cortina
He edged Estonia’s Henry Sildaru, who earned silver with 93.00, and Canada’s Brendan Mackay, who took bronze with 91.00. The event featured 25 athletes from 12 nations, reflecting the sport’s global expansion.
Halfpipe Medal Results
| Medal | Athlete | Nation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | Alex Ferreira | USA | 93.75 |
| Silver | Henry Sildaru | EST | 93.00 |
| Bronze | Brendan Mackay | CAN | 91.00 |
Ferreira’s consistency and amplitude defined his final run. Judges rewarded his technical difficulty and smooth landings, separating him by just 0.75 points from silver.
Curling Setback Against Switzerland
The U.S. women’s curling team saw its gold medal hopes end in the semifinals against Switzerland. The Swiss squad executed precise stone placement and controlled scoring ends to secure the win.
Team USA now prepares for the bronze medal match against Canada, aiming to leave Milan–Cortina with hardware. On the men’s side, Switzerland defeated Norway 9–1 to claim bronze, highlighting the nation’s strength in Olympic curling.
Key Curling Notes
- U.S. women advance to bronze medal match vs Canada.
- Switzerland advanced to the gold medal game.
- Swiss men captured bronze with a dominant 9–1 victory.
Olympic curling margins remain thin, and single missed shots can shift entire matches. The U.S. still has a chance to close strong with a podium finish.
Team USA Medal Outlook
As of February 20, 2026, Team USA continues to rank near the top of the medal standings. The hockey final, curling bronze match, and remaining speed skating events offer additional medal opportunities before the Games conclude on February 22.
The combination of team sports success and individual gold medals reflects a balanced delegation. The USA vs Slovakia victory energized American fans and reinforced belief in a potential gold finish in men’s hockey. Ferreira’s win added momentum and prestige to the freestyle skiing program.
Bottom Line
The USA vs Slovakia semifinal defined Day 14 at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Team USA’s 6–2 win demonstrated depth, pace, and defensive control ahead of a highly anticipated gold medal clash with Canada. Alex Ferreira’s 93.75-point halfpipe run delivered a historic gold and completed his Olympic medal collection. Though the U.S. women’s curling team fell to Switzerland, they remain poised to compete for bronze.
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