New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes is now an American hero.
The young All-Star—and alternate captain for the Devils—scored the game-winning goal in overtime against Canada to secure the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. It marks the United States’ third gold medal in men’s hockey.
The U.S. opened the match with a goal six minutes in but went quiet for the rest of regulation. However, a dominant performance from goaltender Connor Hellebuyck—including 41 saves—kept Canada scoreless until late in the second period.
Regulation ended tied at 1-1.
JACK HUGHES DELIVERS AMERICA'S GOLDEN MOMENT IN OVERTIME. pic.twitter.com/4foFDOri53 — NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 22, 2026
In 3-on-3 overtime, Jack Hughes quickly made history. The 24-year-old Devils center—missing his front teeth from an earlier hit—scored the game-winner just 1:41 into overtime, securing the United States its first men’s hockey gold medal since the “Miracle on Ice” in 1980.
Hughes capped a dominant Olympic performance with the biggest goal of his young career.
“We wanted to go through Canada and beat them,” said Hughes.
Now, he heads back to New Jersey to rejoin the hometown Devils.
Peter Candia is the Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Peter found a passion for writing midway through school and never looked back. He is a former line cook, server and bartender at top-rated restaurants in the tri-state area. In addition to food, Peter enjoys politics, music, sports and anything New Jersey.
