The basics:
- New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes scores overtime goal for USA men’s hockey win over Canada
- USA men’s hockey wins first Olympic gold since 1980
- Hughes lost two teeth — but returned to deliver game-winner
- Team honors late Johnny Gaudreau during emotional celebration
New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes scored the golden goal that ended 46 years of waiting. On Sunday, the athlete lifted the United States past rival Canada 2-1 in overtime to capture the men’s hockey gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The decisive win came at a cost for Hughes, who lost two front teeth after taking a vicious high stick to the face in the third period. But the player showed his resiliency, staying in and delivering the game-winner 1 minute and 41 seconds into sudden-death overtime (which was a 3-on-3 format).
The historic win came on the 46th anniversary of Miracle on Ice at Lake Placid, the site of America’s last Olympic gold at the 1980 Winter Olympics.
Goalie Connor Hellebuyck delivered a performance for the ages, turning aside 41 Canadian shots. The saves included several highlight reel saves to keep the United States in the game, send it to overtime and set the stage for Hughes’ heroics.
Post-game, an emotional Hughes spoke about what the Olympic win meant to him. “This is all about our country right now,” said Hughes. He won gold alongside his brother, Quinn, a star defenseman who played a critical during this run. “I love the USA. I love my teammates. It’s unbelievable. The USA Hockey brotherhood is so strong. I’m so proud to be American today.”
Gone viral
The now-iconic picture of Hughes – bloodied and missing teeth, draped in the American flag raising his fist after the golden goal – has instantly etched itself into American sports history.
Guy went full Jersey and brought home gold. pic.twitter.com/HEaaSB35lI
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) February 22, 2026
It was a defining moment for Hughes. The No. 1 pick in the 2019 NHL draft has dealt with a slew of injuries in his young career, including a shoulder incident last year, as well as a freak hand injury suffered earlier this season that sidelined him for 18 games.
“That’s just a ballsy, gutsy win,” said Hughes. In December, RWJBarnabas Health tapped the athlete as its first brand ambassador. “That’s American hockey right there. That’s a great Canadian team. But we’re USA – we’re so proud to be Americans. Tonight was all for the country.”
The goal and victory set social media ablaze.
New Jersey’s own Jack Hughes – Olympic hero! Congratulations to him and all of @TeamUSA. https://t.co/v1fOG1o7Cj
— Governor Mikie Sherrill (@GovSherrillNJ) February 22, 2026
We believe in Jack Hughes miracles!!!!
86 with the golden goal
GO USA!!!!!!#GetChecked#GetCheckedJersey@NJDevils https://t.co/Pzgi22s5xf
— RWJBarnabas (@RWJBarnabas) February 22, 2026
Remembering a fellow player
However, Hughes’ historic goal is not the only Jersey piece of the storyline.
He spoke about a key member of the USA Hockey brotherhood, the late Johnny Gaudreau. The Salem County native was killed along with his brother Matthew in 2024 by an alleged drunk driver as they rode their bikes in their hometown Oldmans Township.
The USA squad has paid homage to Gaudreau – affectionately known as “Johnny Hockey”. They keep his jersey in the locker room and his memory alive in the process. Gaudreau’s wife, Meredith, and his parents, Guy and Jane, were in attendance to watch the gold medal game.
Celebrating the Olympic victory, the team once again brought Gaudreau’s jersey on the ice. Additionally, they went into the crowd to bring Gaudreau’s young children, Noa and Johnny Jr. (celebrating his 2nd birthday), on to the ice for a picture with the team.
The emotional moment capped a historic day in Milan, with the great Garden State playing a central role in what will be forever etched into sports lore.
Zach Werenski and Dylan Larkin brought Johnny Gaudreau’s children on the ice for their gold medal photo
— ESPN (@espn) February 22, 2026
Women’s team’s victory
Sunday produced one of those rare cultural moments that only sports can create – with people waking up early for the 8 a.m. start time, packing bars and restaurants around the state and cheering on their country as it made history.
It capped a remarkable Olympics for USA Hockey. The women’s team also took down Canada, Feb. 19, to win the gold medal by a score of 2-1 in overtime, as well. Megan Keller clinched that victory with her golden goal.
In total, Team USA won 12 gold medals and 33 total at the Winter Games.
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