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Jack Hughes was already one of the faces of the National Hockey League, but in recent weeks he has become one of the faces of the United States.
The New Jersey Devils star, minutes after losing teeth from a high stick, scored the game-winning goal in overtime against Canada to give the United States its first gold medal in men’s hockey since the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” team.
The photo of Hughes, bloodied and missing some teeth, with an American flag draped over his shoulders, quickly became historic.
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Jack Hughes of the United States celebrates with his national flag after scoring his second goal in overtime to win gold on February 22, 2026. (Reuters/Alessandro Garofalo)
Hughes was one of several members of that team to party in Miami to celebrate their victory before heading to Washington, D.C., to meet with President Donald Trump and attend the State of the Union.
In the days that followed, Hughes made his return to the NHL and received a rousing ovation in front of his New Jersey faithful and on the road against the Pittsburgh Penguins and even appeared on “Saturday Night Live.”
It’s quite a change in fame for Hughes, who has also seen his social media following skyrocket – although perhaps his almost-confirmed relationship with Tate McRae has added to that.
Making an appearance at a Raising Cane’s in New York with women’s Olympic MVP and gold medalist Caroline Harvey for team work, Hughes said her newfound national fame was “honestly, not that wild.” But it’s no secret: it’s certainly different.
Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils attends a game between the New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on March 7, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. (Andrew Mordzynski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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“Obviously since we came back to the States, we feel the love, people are always excited for us. All the people on the street are saying ‘Thank you’. They’re so excited. That’s the best thing we can hear. That’s the best part of coming home,” Hughes said in Times Square.
Raising Cane’s appearance was in enemy territory, about 12 blocks from rival New York Rangers’ arena at Madison Square Garden. But even while walking the streets of New York and North Jersey, where many Rangers fans reside, Hughes said he receives love from their fans.
“Even Rangers fans keep saying to me, ‘I’m a die-hard Rangers fan, but I find it hard not to support you.’ I know it’s a great fan base as well. Just proud Americans,” Hughes said.
The golden goal even spares Rangers fans somewhat. Over the weekend, Hughes scored a hat trick against the New Jersey Blueshirts, prompting the Devils crowd to erupt into Americana chants.
Jack Hughes works a “shift” at Raising Cane’s to celebrate his Olympic gold medal. (raising the cane)
“It was good. One of my teammates said I ruined the Devils organization because they were skipping the Devils chants, they’re going straight to ‘USA’ now,” Hughes joked. “It was cool, man, obviously in New Jersey my fans were so excited for me and themselves that we won gold.”
