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Jack Hughes' Golden Goal at Winter Olympics Celebrated in Unique Item

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rolly Gacelo | Last updated Feb 22, 2026 9:55 PM ET

Jack Hughes is only 24 years old, but he is already one of the most iconic figures in American hockey. The New Jersey Devils center scored the golden goal in Team USA's victory over Canada in the Winter Olympics final, giving the United States its first gold medal since the 1980 Games.

The Milan-Cortina Olympics are his first, but Hughes played as if he had been there many times before, according to his coaches and teammates. He stepped up when the stakes were highest.

“I’m not surprised because when I looked around the room before overtime, there’s probably three or four guys that I look at and I’m like, ‘That guy is not nervous, he wants to be that guy,’” his older brother and USA teammate Quinn said.

“I felt that way about Jack. … Just a special guy.”

Jack Hughes celebrates after scoring a goal in OT versus Canada in Winter OlympicsJames Lang-Imagn Images

Hughes’ performance is one of the most electrifying in American hockey history, and Topps, a popular trading card company, is commemorating it by releasing a unique piece of memorabilia. One collector will have the chance to add to their hockey grail with a 1-of-1 card.

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The value of this Hughes card will likely rise based on his overall impact in the Olympics and his future in the National Hockey League. Twelve of his cards sold for at least $1000 shortly after the Olympic victory.

Team USA coach Mike Sullivan believes Hughes made everything happen for the team.

“I think Jack had a terrific tournament from the first game on,” he said.

“The goals he scored were big-time goals. It’s an emotional roller coaster when you go through these experiences, and I just think Jack was at the center of a lot of the good things that happened for our team.”

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

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