Jack Hughes clarifies initial remarks on Olympic golden goal puck at Hockey Hall of Fame
New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes clarified his comments about the puck used in the U.S. men's ice hockey team's gold medal victory at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.[1]
Hughes, a 24-year-old American forward selected first overall by the Devils in the 2019 NHL Draft, scored the overtime winner for the United States in the final against Canada.[1][4] The tournament was held from February 6 to 22, 2026, with hockey events at venues including the Milano Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, Italy.[3]
In an ESPN interview, Hughes voiced disappointment upon learning the puck had been donated by the International Ice Hockey Federation to the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Canada. "I'm trying to get it. Like, that's bulls--- that the Hockey Hall of Fame has it, in my opinion," he said, adding he wanted it for his father, a collector of memorabilia from Hughes and his brothers.[4]
Hockey Hall of Fame curator Philip Pritchard, vice president of the resource center, responded that the puck "was never Jack’s puck to own."[2]
Days later, Hughes told reporters the Hall of Fame was "the most special place in hockey" and that he felt honored the puck was there. He noted his initial reaction stemmed from not knowing its location at the time.[1]
The U.S. also won gold in women's ice hockey and Paralympic sled hockey, defeating Canada in each final.
Sources
- Fox News Digital, "Hockey Hall of Fame gives Jack Hughes tough news on Olympic golden goal puck request," February 2026, https://www.foxnews.com/sports
- Hockey Hall of Fame, "Philip Pritchard - VP, Resource Centre," accessed 2024, https://www.hhof.com/the-hall-of-fame-resource-centre/meet-the-team/pritchard-philip-vp-resource-centre-hockey-hall-of-fame
- Olympics.com, "Milano Cortina 2026," accessed 2024, https://www.olympics.com/en/olympic-games/milano-cortina-2026/
- ESPN, "NHL coverage," accessed 2024, https://www.espn.com/nhl/
