Jack Hughes was the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, but it was in Milan, Italy, where he truly rose to global fame with a sensational performance for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics. He led the United States to a memorable victory over Canada, scoring the game-winning goal in overtime to end a 46-year gold-medal drought.
Hughes, who plays center for the New Jersey Devils, finished as Team USA’s leading scorer at the Olympics with four goals and three assists in six games. However, it was his goal in the final that will be remembered for years to come.
With the score tied 1-1, Hughes, who had blood dripping from his mouth after taking a high stick, received a pass and buried it past Canada goaltender Jordan Binnington to secure a 2-1 victory. The win marked the United States’ first Olympic gold medal in men’s hockey since 1980 and cemented Hughes’ status as an American hero.
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Upon returning home, Hughes received a warm welcome and has continued to impress fans. Appearing on Friday’s episode of ESPN's "The Pat McAfee Show," he was challenged to shoot a hockey ball into a small elevated hole for $100,000 to be donated to a charity of his choice.
Although Hughes admitted he was a little nervous, the 24-year-old Olympic champion calmly sank the shot, leaving fans in awe of his composure and precision under pressure.
"A NO DOUBTER! THIS KID MAY ACTUALLY HAVE ICE IN HIS VEINS!" wrote one fan.
"That was so great. Dude just dunked on it. Sweet! 🏒" another added.
"He could’ve at least made it look difficult 😂😅," one fan joked.
"Jack Hughes is such a beauty. Impossible not to root for the kid," one fan declared.
"How can you not love these guys!," added another.
Hughes and the rest of Team USA enjoyed a well-earned celebration after winning gold, but have since returned to their respective NHL teams. Hughes received a warm ovation in his first game back in New Jersey against the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday night. However, the Devils fell 2-1, with Hughes recording an assist in the loss. New Jersey returned to action on Thursday and lost 4-1 to the Pittsburgh Penguins as Hughes added another assist.