When the U.S. women’s hockey team returned from the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, the excitement followed them to Saratoga Race Course, where a special celebration was staged for two of its brightest stars.
Haley Winn and Hayley Scamurra had just secured the third gold medal in U.S. women’s hockey history, outlasting Canada in a dramatic overtime where defenseman Megan Keller struck the winning goal.
Scamurra, who had previously taken silver at the 2018 Beijing Games, reflected on the journey that culminated in a historic third gold, while Winn spoke about the camaraderie that defined the squad.
The celebration included a meet‑and‑greet on Whitney Stakes day, featuring a race named in honor of the champions and a appearance by General Manager Katie Million of the U.S. women’s national hockey team.
Both players recently completed the 2025‑26 season in the Professional Women’s Hockey League, with Winn earning Rookie of the Year and Scamurra capturing the Walter Cup, achievements that coincided with the league’s announcement of new franchises in Detroit, Las Vegas, San Jose and Hamilton for the 2026‑27 season.
Their success has sparked renewed interest in women’s hockey, drawing larger crowds, more media coverage and a new generation of players eager to follow in their footsteps.
A Golden Celebration at Saratoga
The event blended athletic triumph with community spirit, as fans gathered to honor the champions and experience the pageantry of horse racing intertwined with Olympic glory.