On Sunday morning, hockey fans across the United States kicked off their day with an early wake-up call, rallying behind Team USA in a thrilling gold medal showdown against Canada. This iconic rivalry is as intense as any Yankees-Red Sox or Yankees-Blue Jays matchup, and it delivered all the drama fans could hope for.
The hero of the day was none other than Jack Hughes, the star center for the New Jersey Devils, who sealed the victory with a sudden death goal in overtime. This triumph marked Team USA's first Olympic gold in hockey since the legendary 1980 win and served as sweet revenge for their past finals losses to Canada in 2002 and 2010.
For Yankees fans, there’s a special connection here. Many in the fanbase also support the Devils, and Hughes is famously a Yankees fan himself. His American heroics on the ice only add to his allure, making it tough for critics to find fault with him anytime soon.
Back in 2019, Hughes was interviewed by NHL Network shortly after being selected as the No. 1 overall pick. He took the call from Yankee Stadium, where he was eagerly awaiting a Yankees game against the Blue Jays.
When asked about his loyalties, Hughes proudly declared his allegiance to the Yankees, a passion inherited from his New York-born father. It was his first visit to Yankee Stadium, a special moment for someone who grew up in Toronto watching the Yankees play the Blue Jays.
After Hughes' historic goal, the Yankees celebrated by tweeting a photo of him in a Yankees cap, a nod to his fandom and his place in American sports history. Hughes' devotion to the Yankees was further highlighted when he attended Game 2 of the 2025 Wild Card Series against the Red Sox, cementing his status as a die-hard fan.
Despite the widespread disdain for the Yankees across America, Hughes' newfound hero status might just win over some hearts. Meanwhile, Toronto fans are feeling the sting, having faced a tough World Series loss, an Olympic defeat, and now discovering Hughes' Yankees fandom-a challenging trifecta.
Keep an eye out for Hughes at Yankees games this year. His presence is sure to be celebrated, especially during those high-stakes October moments, bringing a winning vibe to the Stadium.