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Jack Hughes was overcome with American pride when his goal gave Team USA the gold medal in men’s ice hockey in overtime against Canada on Sunday.
Hughes buried one behind Canadian goalie Jordan Binnington, giving the Americans their first gold medal in the sport since 1980 – won by the “Miracle on Ice” team that upset the Soviet Union 46 years to the day Team USA beat Canada.
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Jack Hughes (86) of the United States celebrates after scoring the winning goal to defeat Canada in the men’s ice hockey gold medal game during the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics at the Milan Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026. (Amber Searls/Imagn Images)
“It’s all about our country right now. I love the United States. I love my teammates. It’s amazing. The United States is a hockey brotherhood. It’s so strong and we’ve had so much support from former players. I’m so proud to be American today,” Hughes told NBC while missing a few teeth.
The New Jersey Devils star lost some teeth and was bloodied when he was hit with a stick, leading to a Canadian penalty in the third period.
USA MEN’S HOCKEY TEAM WINS GOLD MEDAL IN OVERTIME AGAINST CANADA AT WINTER OLYMPICS
American Jack Hughes celebrates with his national flag after scoring his second goal in overtime to win gold on February 22, 2026. (Reuters/Alessandro Garofalo)
He also presented his flowers to Team USA goalie Connor Hellebuyck. Hellebuyck made 40 saves.
“Unbelievable game from Hellebuyck,” Hughes said. “He was by far our best player tonight. Amazing game. Unreal game by our team. It’s just a gutsy, gutsy win. That’s American hockey right there. They’re a great Canadian team, but we’re the United States. We’re so proud to be American. Tonight was all about the country.”
Hughes told PK Press Club Digital last month that he was “excited” to represent the Stars and Stripes at the Olympics.
Now he can call himself a gold medalist.
Jack Hughes (86), right, of the United States, celebrates with teammates after scoring the game-winning goal against Canada in sudden death overtime during the men’s ice hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
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The victory comes more than a year after Canada beat the United States in overtime in the 4-nation showdown. The intensity of this tournament set the stage for Sunday’s match between the two teams.
