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Jack Hughes was overwhelmed 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, which was won by the “Miracle on Ice” team that stunned the Soviet Union 46 years to the day Team USA defeated 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 Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026. (Amber Searls/Image Images)
“This is about our country right now. I love America. I love my teammates. It’s amazing. America is a hockey brotherhood. It’s very strong and we had a lot of support from former players. I’m very proud to be an American today,” Hughes told NBC while missing some teeth.
The New Jersey Devils star lost some teeth and was left bloodied when he was hit with a stick, leading to a Canadian penalty in the third period.
TEAM USA MEN’S HOCKEY WINS GOLD MEDAL IN OT AGAINST CANADA AT WINTER OLYMPICS
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)
She also gave her flowers to U.S. team goalkeeper Connor Hellebuyck. Hellebuyck had 40 saves.
“Amazing game from Hellebuyck,” Hughes said. “He was our best player tonight by a mile. Unbelievable game. Unreal game from our team. It’s just a bold, brave victory. That’s American hockey. It’s a great Canadian team, but we’re the USA. We’re very proud to be Americans. Tonight was everything for the country.”
Hughes told Pak Gazette Digital last month that he was “excited” to represent the Stars and Stripes at the Olympics.
Now he can consider himself a gold medalist.
Jack Hughes (86) of the United States, right, 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 rematch comes more than a year after Canada defeated the United States in overtime in the 4 Nations Face-Off. The intensity of that tournament set the stage for Sunday’s match between the two teams.
