Hughes Brothers Hockey: Who is Jack Hughes, Team USA’s Olympic hockey hero? hughes brothers hockey
Jack Hughes, the 24-year-old whose overtime goal on Sunday, Feb. 22 lifted Team USA to a 2-1 victory over Canada in the Olympic men’s hockey gold medal game, sits at the center of a story that mixes elite skill and family legacy — a true example of hughes brothers hockey. The overtime winner ended a 46-year Olympic gold medal drought for the U. S.
Hughes Brothers Hockey family roots
Born in Orlando and raised in Toronto, Jack Hughes is the son of parents who both played hockey and later worked in player development. His father, Jim, worked for the Maple Leafs while the family lived in Toronto. The Hughes family moved to Michigan when the boys began with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. Their mother, Ellen Weinberg-Hughes, played for the U. S. women’s national team and served as a consultant for the gold medal-winning American women’s hockey team at these Olympics.
Olympic overtime and the goal
Jack Hughes scored in overtime on Sunday, Feb. 22 to give Team USA a 2-1 win over Canada in the Olympic men’s final, finishing the game that withstood a barrage from Canada’s NHL superstars and ended a 46-year gold medal drought. He also lost a tooth after taking a high-sticking penalty in that Sunday game. Earlier in the tournament he had two goals in Team USA’s victory over Slovakia in the semifinals.
NHL career and durability
Selected No. 1 overall in the 2019 NHL draft by the New Jersey Devils, Hughes is the only one of the brothers who went straight to the NHL. He has 387 points in 404 NHL games and is a two-time All Star, praised for his speed and playmaking instincts. Health has been a limiting factor: he has missed time in all seven of his NHL seasons because of injuries.
Brothers, college paths and teams
Jack is the younger brother of Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes and has a younger brother, Luke Hughes, who also plays for the Devils. Quinn and Luke both attended the University of Michigan before turning pro; Jack is the lone Hughes brother who went directly to the NHL.
International resume and remarks
Hughes has a known history representing the United States: he won silver at the 2019 World Junior Championships and helped the U. S. finish second at the 4 Nations Face-Off a year ago. After the Olympic final, Hughes told reporters in Italy that the best experiences he has are playing for his country and that playing to break the golden drought with this group of guys and winning gold at the Olympics was "just an unbelievable moment. "
Reactions from teammates and Quinn
U. S. teammate Tage Thompson praised Hughes on Sunday, saying he is "built for these moments, " that he loves the pressure and the spotlight, and that "he is a gamer" who wants the puck on his stick at all times and wants to be the one to make the play. Quinn Hughes called his brother’s goal "extra special, " calling Jack "an animal, " saying he just kept going, was mentally tough, loves the game and made it happen.
Both of the Olympic gold-winning hockey teams pulled off overtime victories over Canada, with heavy contributions from Minnesota players. On the same Sunday, Jessie Diggins crossed the line in her event as she has done so often over 15 years on the world stage — with the tank entirely empty.
Naila-Jean Meyers of the Minnesota Star Tribune contributed reporting. Ben Gotz is College/Women's Sports Team Leader at the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Team USA’s Olympic men’s hockey title, sealed 2-1 in overtime on Feb. 22 by Jack Hughes’ golden goal, ties together his family background, NHL achievements and international experience into a singular championship moment.
