Jack Hughes: A Golden Moment for Team USA and the Devils
In a moment that will be etched in hockey history, Jack Hughes stood at center ice at the Prudential Center, microphone in hand, basking in the adoration of the New Jersey Devils faithful. This wasn’t just any night-it was a celebration of Hughes' electrifying overtime goal that clinched Olympic gold for Team USA against Canada. The crowd erupted as the replay played on the big screen, a testament to Hughes' heroics and the pride he brings to New Jersey.
Despite a missing tooth from a high stick in regulation, Hughes’ smile was unmissable as he expressed his joy over both the men’s and women’s U.S. hockey teams winning gold in Milan. "You guys are making me emotional," he admitted. "I’m so proud to represent the New Jersey Devils and the great state of New Jersey."
Following a tough 2-1 loss to Buffalo, Hughes faced a packed press conference. The room buzzed with over 20 reporters and team staff, all eager to capture the words of a young man whose life had changed overnight. As Devils goalie Jake Allen put it, “his life’s changed forever.”
Reflecting on his golden goal, Hughes shared, “I get goosebumps watching the video now. The emotion is so raw.
It means so much to every single one of those guys.” He didn’t see the puck hit the net but knew something special had happened when he saw Dylan Larkin sprinting towards him in celebration.
“I was so proud of our group,” he said.
The post-game celebrations extended beyond the rink. Team USA’s general manager, Bill Guerin, invited FBI director Kash Patel to join the festivities, and U.S.
President Donald Trump called to congratulate the team, even inviting them to the State of the Union. A joke about inviting the women’s team too drew mixed reactions, but Hughes emphasized mutual respect between the teams.
“We’re all just proud Americans,” he said.
Most of the men’s team, including Hughes, traveled to Washington, D.C., meeting President Trump and attending the State of the Union. Despite the political undertones, Hughes focused on the joy of their achievement.
“We’re just hockey players,” he stated. “We did our job and won a gold medal.”
Hughes acknowledged the diverse reactions to their White House visit. “There’s so many different people in the country with so many different views,” he noted.
For Hughes and his teammates, it was about celebrating USA Hockey and their camaraderie. “We just had so much fun being together and enjoying the moment.”
Back on home ice, Hughes shared the spotlight with American teammate and Sabres forward Tage Thompson, inviting him for an ovation. “It’ll never be about one person. It’s always about the team,” Hughes insisted, hoping Thompson would receive similar recognition in Buffalo.
The night continued with a ceremonial puck drop, where Devils owner David Blitzer and New Jersey governor Mikie Sherrill joined Hughes and Thompson. Fans showed their support with Team USA jerseys and gold medal replicas, while Michelob Ultra offered beers for $8.60, nodding to Hughes’ jersey number.
Reflecting on his journey, Hughes expressed deep gratitude for the support he’s received in New Jersey. “I just feel like they accepted me so deeply, and I just feel like I’m their guy,” he shared. His pride in representing New Jersey and the Devils was evident.
Hughes’ game-winning goal marked the first Olympic gold for the U.S. men’s hockey team since the legendary “Miracle on Ice” in 1980. “The fact that I’m on a USA Hockey championship, Olympic gold medal team, it changes all of our lives,” Hughes said. “To break that streak and win a gold medal, it bonds us forever.”
In this golden moment, Jack Hughes has cemented his place in the hearts of hockey fans, not just as a player, but as a symbol of hope and triumph.