On Feb. 17, 1998 the U.S. women's ice hockey team cemented itself in history as the first-ever Olympic champion in women's ice hockey.
Team USA defeated Canada 3-1 at the Olympic Winter Games Nagano 1998 to not only secure the gold and the legacy but to begin one of the greatest rivalries in sports.
Since the victory, the U.S. and Canada have continued to be the teams to beat at the highest level. The rivals have won gold at each of the subsequent Games, with the U.S. winning its second gold medal at the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, as well as at every world championship since the tournament began in 1990. Team USA has also won three Olympic silver medals and a bronze.
In honor of the 21st anniversary of this milestone moment for all of women's ice hockey, we look back on 17 of the best photos.
