Jack Hughes gives hilarious shout-out to 'great dentists' after Team USA win over Canada

Jack Hughes became an American hockey legend when he scored the "golden goal" early into overtime to propel Team USA to a thrilling 2-1 win over Canada in the gold-medal game at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics and to the Americans' first gold in men's hockey since the famous 1980 "Miracle on Ice" team.

Before Hughes tallied what became the biggest goal of his national team career, he had at least one front tooth chipped in the game's third period after he took a high stick from Canadian center Sam Bennett. Following the victory, Hughes gave a hilarious shout-out to certain medical professionals who work in his home country.

Jack Hughes feels particularly lucky to be from the USA after the Olympics

"I'm lucky I'm from the best country in the world, and we've got great dentists there too," Hughes said, per Timothy Rapp of Bleacher Report. "So I'm lucky I'm American, and they're going to fix me right up." 

Neither Hughes nor American goalie Connor Hellebuyck may have to pay for dental work in the United States for some time. While Hughes' final shot on Sunday ended the men's tournament, Hellebuyck broke a record for a men's gold-medal game with NHL players in it when he saved 41 of 42 shots before Hughes scored. 

"The best experiences I have are playing for my country," Hughes added. "Playing to break the golden drought with this group of guys and for us to win gold here at the Olympics — just an unbelievable moment."

Jack Hughes, Americans handled "new adversities" en route to winning gold

ESPN's Greg Wyshynski pointed out that Canada won Olympic gold against Team USA in 2002 and in 2010. More recently, the Canadians defeated the Americans in the 4 Nations Face-Off final last winter. 

"Your whole life you're always going up against things," Hughes explained. "There's always new adversities, new challenges. Every single player in that game went through so many things. ... It's a journey, the whole lifetime of work. I'm just a part of that. I think every single person in that game can be proud. Obviously, a great game, and we had the better outcome, but just a great game between USA and Canada."

Hughes will have plenty of reasons to flash an altered smile up until it's repaired following his heroic and historic goal.