Jack Hughes is on a mission to reclaim a piece of history.
At just 24, Hughes etched his name into U.S. hockey lore with a jaw-dropping overtime goal against Canada, clinching the first Olympic gold for the U.S. men’s hockey team in nearly half a century. It was a moment that transcended individual glory, as Hughes himself emphasized, "It’s not about me.
I’m so happy for this group, I’m so happy that we could win. I’m so happy that USA hockey is a gold medalist."
However, the glow of that golden moment has dimmed slightly for the New Jersey Devils' star forward. The reason?
The puck that sealed the victory isn’t in his hands. Instead, it’s proudly displayed at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, much to Hughes' dismay.
“That’s bullsh*t that the Hockey Hall of Fame has it, in my opinion,” Hughes candidly shared with ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski. “Why would they have that puck?”
The puck is currently part of an exhibit featuring a signed Brady Tkachuk stick and a Hilary Knight Team USA jersey, among other treasures. But for Hughes, it’s not about personal accolades. His frustration also extends to Megan Keller, whose golden goal puck against Canada is similarly out of her possession.
Hughes’ desire to retrieve the puck is rooted in a heartfelt motive: he wants to gift it to his father, a passionate collector. “I know he would have a special place for it,” Hughes explained.
While Hughes plans to contact the Hockey Hall of Fame to negotiate the puck's return, the outcome remains uncertain. The last time an Olympic golden goal puck garnered such attention was in 2010, when Sidney Crosby’s iconic goal for Canada also found a home at the Hall.
For now, Hughes’ quest continues, driven by a blend of family sentiment and a desire to hold onto a tangible piece of his extraordinary achievement.