Devils fans welcome Jack Hughes back to New Jersey

Celebration tour included stop at Oval Office and State of the Union

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Jack Hughes, the star player for the New Jersey Devils, returned to Newark's Prudential Center on Wednesday night to a roaring ovation from fans. Hughes had just completed a whirlwind celebration tour following his game-winning goal at the Olympics in Milan, which included a stop at the Oval Office and an appearance at the State of the Union address.

Why it matters

Hughes' heroics at the Olympics have made him a national celebrity, and the Devils organization is capitalizing on the renewed interest in the team by welcoming him back with a special pregame celebration. This event is expected to draw a large crowd and generate significant media attention for the Devils.

The details

Fans packed the Prudential Center, eagerly awaiting Hughes' arrival on the ice. When he finally stepped out, the crowd erupted in cheers and applause, celebrating the young star's accomplishments. The team had organized a special pregame ceremony to honor Hughes, including video highlights of his Olympic performance and a presentation of commemorative jerseys and other memorabilia.

  • Jack Hughes returned to Newark on Wednesday, February 26, 2026 for the Devils' game against the Buffalo Sabres.
  • Hughes' game-winning goal at the Olympics in Milan occurred earlier in February 2026.

The players

Jack Hughes

The star player for the New Jersey Devils who recently led the U.S. Olympic hockey team to a gold medal with a game-winning goal in the final seconds.

New Jersey Devils

The NHL hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey that Hughes plays for.

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The takeaway

Jack Hughes' heroics at the Olympics have turned him into a national star, and the Devils are capitalizing on the renewed interest in the team by giving him a hero's welcome back in New Jersey. This event is expected to generate significant excitement and media attention for the Devils organization.