Jack Wallace’s Three Goals Propel Team USA to Fifth Consecutive Paralympic Gold Medal

Jack Wallace has a talent for rising to the occasion in crucial matches.

In May of last year, he netted a hat trick during the 2025 World Para Ice Hockey Championship final, leading the U.S. to a 6-1 victory over Canada.

He achieved a similar performance on Sunday in the gold-medal match of the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, where the Americans triumphed over Canada 6-2 in front of a full house of 11,500 at the Milano-Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.

“We played our game,” stated Wallace, who was recognized as the tournament’s best defender for the second consecutive Games. “It was a tough hockey match. We capitalized on our opportunities when they arose, and I’m incredibly proud of this team.”

The Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, native scored once in each period, including a precise shot from the right side with 13:18 remaining in the game, assisted by captain Josh Pauls, extending the U.S. lead to 4-1.

Declan Farmer and Brody Roybal both found the net in the final 3:40 to secure the victory, allowing the Americans to claim gold for the fifth consecutive Paralympics and the sixth time overall. Wallace, who concluded the game with four points, assisted on Farmer’s goal.

The Americans outshot Canada 26-15 on Sunday, finishing the Games undefeated and outscoring their opponents 46-6.

“I was really pleased with our competitive level tonight,” said David Hoff, head coach of the U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team. “We were highly determined, and that made a significant difference. We established a strong pace tonight, forcing them to compete for three periods, and I was very satisfied with that.”

Wallace netted the opening goal of the match with 6:21 remaining in the first period, scoring from a scramble on the left side, with Pauls providing the assist.

“It was a great play in front of the net,” Wallace remarked. “We got the goalie moving, so I decided to take advantage of the scramble after a few chances, and I was fortunate it bounced to me right at my right hand.”

It turned out Wallace was just getting warmed up.

With 5:08 left in the second period, Wallace had a breakaway down the right side, crossed the crease, switched hands, and slid the puck past Canada goalie Corbin Watson, putting the U.S. ahead 3-1.

After the match, Wallace highlighted the strong chemistry he and his teammates developed in Italy, a bond forged over years of playing together.

“We’re 17 brothers,” he said. “It’s a really close-knit group. Whenever you’re in our locker room, you’ll hear laughter; we’re enjoying ourselves. I cherish these guys.”

Wallace also expressed admiration for Pauls, whom he regards as both a mentor and a friend.

“He was the one who got me started in the sport,” Wallace noted. “He was my teammate in my first game and actually assisted me in scoring a hat trick in my debut sled hockey match, and [today] he passed me the puck for my third goal and the hat trick.”

“I’m incredibly grateful to have met him and to have known him for as long as I have. He’s one of the best leaders and captains anyone could wish for. He’s motivating, inspiring, leads by example, and is just an outstanding person.”

It’s a collective effort, of course, and Declan Farmer was named Tournament MVP after recording two points in the victory. He set a Paralympic record with 26 points over five games.

Kayden Beasley, 19, scored in his first Paralympic gold-medal match when he capitalized on a loose puck in front of Watson with 8:31 remaining in the first period, firing it past the goaltender’s right shoulder to break a 1-1 deadlock.

In goal, Griffin LaMarre made his debut in a gold-medal match, stopping 13 of Canada’s 15 shots to secure his second Paralympic gold medal.

However, the night was truly about Wallace, who had many individuals to thank for helping him reach this achievement.

“First and foremost, my parents, for driving me to the rink in the mornings,” he said. “Those early mornings, helping me get dressed when I was learning to tie my own skates.”

Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.

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