James Lang-Imagn Images

Jack Hughes' Dad Has the Best Reaction to Golden Goal at Winter Olympics

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rolly Gacelo | Last updated Feb 22, 2026 8:34 PM ET

The USA men's hockey team has ended its 46-year gold medal drought at the Winter Olympics by defeating Canada.

It was reminiscent of the Miracle on Ice at the 1980 Winter Olympics, as the Americans needed overtime and an improbable goal from Jack Hughes, who played without two teeth following an earlier collision.

Hughes, who plays for the New Jersey Devils in the National Hockey League, said Canada may have outplayed the U.S., but his team kept fighting and seized its opportunity at the right moment.

“Listen, they probably outplayed us a little bit tonight,” the 24-year-old center said after victory.

“Our goalie stood on his head, though. And then in overtime we both have skill players. Anything can happen. We’re just so proud to win for our country.

“To break the golden drought with this group of guys, and for us to win gold here at the Olympics, is just an unbelievable moment.”

USA men's hockey team celebrates winning gold medal in the Winter OlympicsGeoff Burke-Imagn Images

Hughes was battered throughout the game. His teeth were knocked out in the third period when he was hit by a stick from Canada forward Sam Bennett. He briefly left the game but quickly returned.

He delivered in the most epic way, scoring the golden goal 1:41 into overtime. His father, Jim, was there to witness it.

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The Hughes family has deep roots in hockey. Jim is a former team captain at Providence College, while Jack’s two brothers, Quinn and Luke, also play in the NHL.

Hughes scored the winner, but Team USA would have been in serious trouble early on if not for the stellar performance by goaltender Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets. Canada had a chance to win it in regulation, but the veteran netminder would not allow it.

Hellebuyck denied Connor McDavid and Macklin Celebrini on breakaways. He also stood tall against Devon Toews and emerged triumphant.

Hughes made sure his goalie received the recognition he deserved.

“Unbelievable game by Hellebuyck,” Hughes said. “He was our best player tonight, by a mile. Unbelievable game, unreal game by our team. That’s just a ballsy, gutsy win. That’s American hockey right there.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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