Wisconsin Badgers hockey star Laila Edwards grabs attention with historic goal at 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics 1 Feb 10, 2026; Milan, Italy; Laila Edwards (10) of the United States is defended by Sarah Fillier (10) of Canada in women’s ice hockey group A play during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Wisconsin Badgers hockey star Laila Edwards grabs attention with historic goal at 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Robin M Adams | Last updated Feb 12, 2026 12:06 PM ET

Wisconsin Badgers women’s hockey star Laila Edwards has been turning heads in the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics as a member of Team USA.

She already made history by becoming the first Black woman to represent the United States in hockey. Edwards added more to her incredible experience in Italy by becoming the first Black woman to score a goal for Team USA in the Olympics.

Wisconsin Badgers star makes incredible Olympic history for Team USA

Edwards’ historic goal came during the third period of Tuesday’s 5-0 drubbing of Canada. It was the last goal of the game and the cherry on top for Team USA’s huge victory over the Canadians.

Her goal was worth many replays, as it came off a powerful snipe.

A moment that goes beyond scoring.

Laila Edwards makes history as the first Black woman to score a goal for Team USA in the Olympics. pic.twitter.com/9G58MSYAKy

— On Her Turf (@OnHerTurf) February 11, 2026

After the game, Edwards spoke about that takedown of Canada.

Via Andrew Greif of NBC News:

“I mean, you can’t deny it, there’s extra, there’s more intensity” to facing Canada, said U.S. star Laila Edwards. “And I think we rise to the occasion.”

Those who have been following the career of Edwards are not surprised to see her make a mark on Team USA’s offense in Italy.

So far in the 2025-26 NCAA hockey season, she has eight goals and 28 assists for 36 points. IN the 2024-25 campaign, he played in 41 games for the Badgers and led the nation with 35 goals and was named to the NCAA Frozen Four All-Tournament team.

Edwards and Team USA topped Group A play with a 4-0 record, scoring 20 goals and allowing just a goal. The Americans will next face the host Italy in the quarterfinal round.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: