Olympic hero Jack Hughes still adjusting to newfound fame

The New Jersey Devils star is receiving hero's welcomes on the road after his gold-medal winning goal for Team USA at the Milan Cortina Olympics.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Jack Hughes, the 24-year-old New Jersey Devils hockey player, has been receiving a hero's welcome from fans across the NHL since scoring the gold-medal winning overtime goal for the United States at the recent Milan Cortina Olympics. Hughes, who lost several teeth in the Olympic final against Canada, was celebrated with a loud ovation from the crowd in Pittsburgh, where the Devils were playing the Penguins. While Hughes is still adjusting to his newfound fame, he says the best thing for him has been getting back on the ice and playing, as it provides a welcome distraction from the chaos.

Why it matters

Hughes' overtime goal ended a 46-year Olympic gold medal drought for the U.S. men's hockey team, making him an instant national hero. His story highlights the challenges elite athletes can face when thrust into the spotlight after a major accomplishment, and how they must balance their new-found fame with the demands of returning to their professional careers.

The details

In the game against the Penguins, Hughes received a lengthy ovation from the crowd when he was recognized during a pregame ceremony that also included a nod to the U.S. women's Olympic gold medalists and Penguins captain Sidney Crosby. The crowd chanted "Huuuuuughhhes!" and "U-S-A!" to show their appreciation. Hughes said the welcome was unexpected, as he figured the crowd would be more focused on cheering for Crosby and Canada. Hughes has also been celebrated at home in New Jersey and made a cameo at the State of the Union address.

  • On February 26, 2026, Hughes received a loud ovation from the crowd in Pittsburgh during the Devils' game against the Penguins.
  • Hughes scored the gold-medal winning overtime goal for the United States at the Milan Cortina Olympics earlier in February 2026.

The players

Jack Hughes

A 24-year-old hockey player for the New Jersey Devils who scored the gold-medal winning overtime goal for the United States at the recent Milan Cortina Olympics.

Sidney Crosby

The captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins and a member of the Canadian Olympic hockey team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I was thinking going into the game, I knew they'd do something, but obviously, you know, Crosby's the biggest athlete here. So I'm sure they were cheering for Canada as well, but obviously a lot of proud Americans in the crowd tonight. And that was something I'll always remember.”

— Jack Hughes (wbal.com)

“Obviously, it's not going to last forever, but just really cool.”

— Jack Hughes (wbal.com)

What’s next

Hughes is expected to receive another hero's welcome when the Devils visit the St. Louis Blues on Saturday.

The takeaway

Hughes' Olympic heroics have thrust him into the national spotlight, but the young star is still adjusting to his newfound fame. While the adulation from fans is exciting, Hughes is focused on returning to the grind of the NHL regular season and finding a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos.