Jack Hughes and Quinn Propel U.S. Toward Olympic Semifinal as Parents Embrace ‘Olympic spirit’
jack hughes and his brother Quinn played key roles in Team USA’s 2-1 quarterfinal win over Sweden, and their parents Jim and Ellen said they’ve embraced the “Olympic spirit” while supporting both sons ahead of the men’s semifinal against Slovakia at Santagiulia Arena on Friday at 3: 10 p. m. ET.
Jack Hughes and Quinn sparked U. S. in quarterfinal win
The brothers combined on the opening sequence in the 2-1 quarterfinal victory: both Jack and Quinn assisted on Dylan Larkin’s first goal, and Quinn then scored the overtime winner that secured the U. S. advance. Quinn has six points — one goal and five assists — in four games, tied with Auston Matthews (three goals, three assists) for the team lead; jack hughes has four points, with one goal and three assists.
Jim and Ellen visible at rink and behind the scenes
Parents Jim and Ellen have been fixtures in the stands and in the team area in Milan. Ellen served as a consultant for the U. S. women’s hockey team, which won the gold medal with a 2-1 overtime victory against Canada, and Jim said, “We have the Olympic spirit. ” When the U. S. women played, Ellen sat with general manager Katie Million and her staff; Jim sat with family and friends and at Team USA’s 5-0 win against Team Sweden in the semifinals on Monday he sat next to Stan Bowman, who is GM of the Edmonton Oilers and part of the management group for the men’s team.
Summer skates, guest players and a family household
Off the ice, Jim runs summer skates at USA Hockey Arena to help players prepare for the season and is director of player development for CAA Hockey. The Hughes household has been a hub: Swiss defenseman Roman Josi has dropped in for summer skates at USA Hockey Arena, and Macklin Celebrini has stayed at Jim and Ellen’s house and with Jack, Quinn and their brother Luke. Jim described his role simply: “I just have to blow the whistle. It’s very simple. It’s all built in. ”
Next: U. S. men face Slovakia in the semifinal
The immediate challenge for the U. S. men is the semifinal against Slovakia at Santagiulia Arena on Friday at 3: 10 p. m. ET. With the quarterfinal win secured by Quinn’s overtime goal and contributions from jack hughes and others, Team USA advances with a roster that includes Dylan Larkin, Connor Hellebuyck, Zach Werenski and Matt Duchene among the core group that prepared together over the summer.
Team USA will take the ice in Milan looking to translate those summer skates and family support into a win that puts the team into the Olympic final.
