Olympic Champion Jack Hughes Wins Over Devils Fans With Speech and Special Act for United States Teammate

Jack Hughes received a hero’s welcome upon his return to the ice for the New Jersey Devils, following his and his teammates’ massive gold medal win in ice hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The NHL star provided the heroic overtime goal against Team Canada, giving the United States a 2-1 win in a game that the Canadians seriously outplayed them in. Canada took way more shots, but thanks to a stellar performance from USA goalkeeper Connor Hellebuyck, the United States last to overtime where Hughes’ heroics sealed a win.

Hughes returned with teammates to the United States to Miami, Florida, where they celebrated the win several nights ago. After making some rounds for media and a big appearance on Tuesday night, he was back in New Jersey as the Devils hosted the Buffalo Sabres.

With the Sabres as their opponents, it meant Hughes’ Team USA teammate, Tage Thompson, was there for the visitors.

Ahead of the game, Hughes received a microphone to speak at center ice and delivered a speech about the recent wins. He also mentioned the USA women’s team, which captured gold at the Milano Cortina Olympics.

“I’m so proud, and I’m so happy that the men’s and women’s hockey teams brought gold medals back to the United States of America,” Hughes told a cheering crowd in New Jersey.

“You guys are making me emotional. I’m so proud to represent the New Jersey Devils organization, and I’m so, so proud to represent the great state of New Jersey,” he said, adding, “From the bottom of my heart. All my teammates, all my USA teammates, we just want to thank you, guys, for all the love and support.”

The Devils’ announcer called out Hughes’ name to honor him as part of Team USA’s gold medal win, with the crowd applauding loudly to celebrate his efforts.

Hughes quickly skated over to the Sabres’ bench and called his United States hockey teammate, Tage Thompson, to join him as they skated together on the ice while raising fists in the air, and the crowd roared.

A loud “USA” chant also broke out to celebrate the men’s hockey stars amid recent headlines about their win and post-win events.

Both the men’s and women’s teams received special invitations to a significant event on Tuesday evening, with many of the men’s players attending, while the women’s team declined.

The Sabres ultimately captured a 2-1 win, with Thompson scoring one of his team’s two goals. Hughes was also a factor for the Devils, as he and teammate James Bratt provided the assist to goal scorer Tino Meier.

Buffalo remains relevant amongst one of the teams currently challenging for a Wild Card spot in the NHL Playoffs. Meanwhile, Hughes’ Devils have a lot of work to do if they want to make up ground on the teams ahead of them for Wild Card spots