How Did Jack Hughes Lose His Teeth? The Truth Behind His Olympic Smile

Jack Hughes (Image Credits: Imagn)

How Did Jack Hughes Lose His Teeth? The Truth Behind His Olympic Smile

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Anand Sharma | Last updated Feb 24, 2026 5:10 PM ET

During one of the most dramatic moments in 2026 Winter Olympics history, Jack Hughes didn’t just score the gold-winning goal for Team USA; he did it with part of his smile missing.

The 24-year-old New Jersey Devils forward became a national hero when he scored the overtime goal that gave the United States a 2-1 victory over Canada in the men’s hockey gold medal game in Milan-Cortina, ending a 46-year Olympic gold medal drought for U.S. men’s hockey. But what made the story even more remarkable was how he did it with a battered mouth and knocked-out teeth.

The Incident: High Stick, Loose Teeth

The injury occurred in the third period of the gold medal game when Hughes was struck in the face by a high stick from Canada’s Sam Bennett, a common but painful occurrence in hockey. The contact was hard enough to knock out multiple front teeth and leave Hughes bleeding in the mouth.

Hughes later recalled the moment with characteristic hockey-player nonchalance:

“I looked on the ice and saw my teeth… I was like, ‘Here we go again.’” — Hughes, referencing both the injury and his focus on the game.

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Speaking to NBC 5 Chicago, Jack Hughes chuckled and informed, “I’m gonna fix these things… I want my good smile back.”

Playing Through Pain — Then Scoring Gold

Remarkably, Hughes continued playing after the high stick and ultimately finished the regulation portion of the game. Just 1 minute and 41 seconds into three-on-three overtime, he scored the goal that secured the gold medal for Team USA, a moment that will be replayed in Olympic history for years to come.

JACK HUGHES DELIVERS AMERICA'S GOLDEN MOMENT IN OVERTIME. pic.twitter.com/4foFDOri53
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 22, 2026

What Hughes Said After the Game

After the victory, Hughes remained upbeat despite the injury and even made light of it while celebrating:

“This is all about our country right now… I love the USA. I love my teammates. It’s unbelievable,” Hughes said while discussing the win, highlighting how much the moment meant on a personal and national level.

He also joked about getting medical care: