Olympic Hockey Star Jack Hughes Has New Hampshire Roots

Hughes' family lived in the Granite State in the early 2000s when his father coached the Manchester Monarchs.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Jack Hughes, the hero of the U.S. Olympic men's hockey team who scored the game-winning goal in overtime against Canada, has deep ties to the state of New Hampshire. Hughes and his family lived in the Granite State in the early 2000s when his father, Jim Hughes, was the head coach of the Manchester Monarchs hockey team. Hughes' mother, Ellen, is also a member of the University of New Hampshire Athletic Hall of Fame, having played hockey, lacrosse, and soccer for the Wildcats.

Why it matters

Hughes' New Hampshire connections add a local angle to his Olympic heroics, highlighting the state's role in developing top hockey talent. The Hughes family's time in Manchester and Ellen Hughes' UNH athletic career showcase New Hampshire's vibrant sports culture and its ability to produce world-class athletes.

The details

Jack Hughes, the star forward who scored the game-winning goal in overtime to give Team USA the gold medal in men's hockey at the 2026 Olympics, spent part of his childhood living in New Hampshire. His father, Jim Hughes, was the head coach of the Manchester Monarchs, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings, during the 2005-06 season. Hughes' mother, Ellen, is also a member of the University of New Hampshire Athletic Hall of Fame, having played hockey, lacrosse, and soccer for the Wildcats in the 1990s.

  • Jack Hughes and his family lived in New Hampshire in the early 2000s.
  • Jim Hughes was the head coach of the Manchester Monarchs during the 2005-06 season.
  • Ellen Hughes was a three-sport athlete at the University of New Hampshire in the 1990s.

The players

Jack Hughes

The hockey hero of the 2026 Olympics, scoring the game-winning goal in overtime to give Team USA the gold medal against Canada.

Jim Hughes

Jack Hughes' father, who was the head coach of the Manchester Monarchs, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings, during the 2005-06 season.

Ellen Hughes

Jack Hughes' mother, who is a member of the University of New Hampshire Athletic Hall of Fame, having played hockey, lacrosse, and soccer for the Wildcats in the 1990s.

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What they’re saying

“Jack Hughes' Olympic heroics have really put New Hampshire on the map for hockey. His family's ties to the state are a great source of pride for us.”

— Jim Hughes, Jack Hughes' father (WMUR)

What’s next

Jack Hughes is expected to be a top draft pick in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft, with several teams vying to add the Olympic gold medalist to their roster.

The takeaway

Jack Hughes' Olympic success and his family's deep roots in New Hampshire highlight the state's ability to develop world-class hockey talent. His story showcases the vibrant sports culture and athletic legacy that the Granite State has to offer.