Jack Hughes was all heart, grit and patriotism after delivering Team USA’s gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics even after losing several teeth mid-game.
The New Jersey Devils star, 24, scored the overtime, gold medal–winning goal against rival Canada on Sunday, Feb. 22, at the Milano Cortina Games, just 20 minutes after he was hit with a high stick that knocked out several of his teeth. Bloodied but undeterred, Hughes returned to the ice and sealed the victory for the United States.
Moments after the dramatic win, Hughes spoke with NBC and couldn’t hide his pride.
“This is all about our country right now. I love the U.S.A. I love my teammates, it’s unbelievable,” Hughes said. “The USA Hockey brotherhood, it’s so strong. We had so much support from ex-players, and I’m so proud to be American today.”
Hughes also praised U.S. goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who delivered a standout performance by stopping 41 of 42 shots.
“It’s an unbelievable game by Hellebuyck. He was our best player tonight by a mile, unbelievable game, unreal game by our team,” Hughes said. “Just a ballsy, gutsy win. That’s American hockey right there. That’s a great Canadian team, but we’re USA, we’re so proud to be Americans. This night was all for our country.”
After the medal ceremony, Hughes continued his patriotic streak and added a lighter note while speaking to reporters, in the mixed zone.
“I’m lucky I’m from the best country in the world, and we’ve got great dentists there too,” he said with a toothless smile. “So I’m lucky I’m American and they’re going to fix me right up.”
Team USA’s celebration didn’t stop in the locker room. The players said they received a congratulatory call from President Donald Trump following the victory.
“The players just had the president on, I don’t know what it was, what do you call it? FaceTime? Whatever. In the locker room,” Head Coach Mike Sullivan said during the post-game press conference. “So he just spoke to the group, expressing how proud he was of the group and congratulating everybody on the win. Obviously this game, in a lot of ways, was an inspiration to our country.”
Team USA captain Auston Matthews also reflected on the call and the significance of the moment.
“We’re all proud Americans, obviously, and I mean, this is a huge moment for us. It’s a huge moment for the United States,” Matthews said. “He called and just congratulated us.”
“It’s an honor to wear this jersey and to represent the USA and go home with the gold medal,” he added. “You know how much that means to the guys in this room and how much it means to all the people watching and rooting us on, too.”
With battered smiles and gold medals around their necks, Team USA’s men’s hockey squad capped off a dramatic Olympic run with a moment that will live in U.S. hockey lore.
Source: People