© Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Team USA’s Jack Hughes has returned to America as a bona fide star.
Last week, Hughes scored the game-winning goal in overtime against Canada to deliver the US men’s team their first hockey gold medal in 46 years.
The game-winning goal from Jack Hughes to give Team USA a gold medal in men’s hockey 🇺🇸
(via @NBCOlympics) pic.twitter.com/CAQJ4dCbvN
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) February 22, 2026
“This is all about our country right now. I love the USA… We’re so proud to be Americans,” said Hughes after the goal.
“This is all about our country right now. I love the USA… We’re so proud to be Americans.”
— Jack Hughes, @usahockey 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/XI9tcdKein
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 22, 2026
On Wednesday, Hughes received a standing ovation in New Jersey in his first game back with the NJ Devils.
“I’m so proud and I’m so happy that the men’s and women’s USA hockey teams brought gold medals back to the United States of America. I’m so proud to represent the New Jersey Devils organization… and I’m so, so proud to represent the great state of New Jersey.”
On Thursday, Hughes got another standing ovation, this time in Pittsburgh, from fans of the rival team.
American Hero Jack Hughes received a standing ovation in Pittsburgh
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) February 27, 2026
Thunderous standing ovation for Jack Hughes and other members of Team USA: pic.twitter.com/q6XbH7FvL7
— Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_PGH) February 27, 2026