Hughes Brothers Hockey: Who is Jack Hughes, Team USA’s golden goal scorer?
Jack Hughes, Team USA’s overtime hero on Sunday, Feb. 22, delivered the golden goal in a 2-1 Olympic men’s hockey win over Canada, a finish that ended a 46-year U. S. gold medal drought — a moment that has thrust hughes brothers hockey back into the spotlight.
Hughes Brothers Hockey: Jack’s gold-medal moment in Milan Cortina
Hughes scored the overtime winner as Team USA withstood a barrage from Canada’s NHL superstars to take a 2-1 victory in the Olympic men’s hockey gold medal game on Sunday, Feb. 22. The finish snapped a 46-year drought for the United States at the Olympics and capped a tournament played at the Milan Cortina Games. Those who were part of the original "Miracle on Ice" have been enthusiastic supporters of this "Surprise on Ice" team, which, like the earlier squad, pulled off an overtime victory over Canada with heavy contributions from Minnesota players.
Devils No. 1 pick with NHL production and injury history
Selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NHL draft by the New Jersey Devils, Jack Hughes, 24, has produced 387 points in 404 NHL games and has been named an All-Star twice, with his speed and playmaking instincts often singled out. The only major thing that has held him back is his health: he has missed time in all seven of his NHL seasons because of injuries. Unlike his brothers, he is the only Hughes who went straight to the NHL; Quinn and their younger brother Luke Hughes went to the University of Michigan before turning pro. Luke Hughes now plays for the Devils, and Quinn Hughes is a defenseman with the Wild.
Roots in Orlando, Toronto and Michigan; parents worked in development
Jack Hughes was born in Orlando and grew up in Toronto, where his father, Jim, worked for the Maple Leafs. The family moved to Michigan when the brothers began with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. Both parents were hockey players and later worked in player development. 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 run and earlier international success
Hughes was instrumental throughout the tournament: he scored two goals in Team USA’s victory over Slovakia in the semifinals. His international résumé also includes a silver medal at the 2019 World Junior Championships and helping the United States finish second at the 4 Nations Face-Off the previous year.
Teammates’ and brothers’ reactions after the golden goal
U. S. teammate Tage Thompson praised Hughes’s ability to thrive under pressure, saying, "He is built for these moments. He loves the pressure, loves the spotlight. That is when he shines most. He is a gamer. He wants the puck on his stick at all times. He wants to be the guy who makes the play. And he did. "
Hughes, speaking to reporters in Italy after Sunday’s game, said, "The best experiences I have are playing for my country. Playing to break the golden drought with this group of guys and for us to win gold here at the Olympics, just an unbelievable moment. "
Quinn Hughes called watching his younger brother score "extra special, " adding, "He’s an animal. He just kept going, mentally tough.... No one loves the game more than him. He’s got so much passion. He’s a gamer. He made it happen. "
During the final, Hughes also lost a tooth after taking a high-sticking penalty on Sunday, a small but striking detail from the game. Naila-Jean Meyers contributed reporting, and Ben Gotz is identified as College/Women's Sports Team Leader.
