In the middle of the night on Sunday, February 22, Jack Hughes told his brother Quinn he was “dreaming of scoring the winning goal.” Just hours later, he made that a reality: Hughes scored in sudden death overtime to take home the Gold medal for Team USA men’s ice hockey. An unbelievable ending for Team USA after fighting for dear life in the first sixty minutes of regulation play.
This was the first time Team USA and Team Canada men’s ice hockey teams had met since 2010 and these NHL loaded rosters held each other to a single goal. But despite the 1-1 score at the end of regulation play, Team Canada seemed to be the aggressor outshooting the US 42-26. If not for the heroic efforts and flawless play by US goalie Conner Hellebuyck, the scoreboard would have told a much different story. Even a four-minute power play – a result of Jack Hughes taking a high stick to the mouth and losing a few teeth with it – late in the last period couldn’t ignite the US team. But then again, Team Canada couldn’t close the deal against the scrappy Americans on their multiple power plays – a signal of the skill and level of play on the ice.
Going into overtime, the Canadians won the face off but the US gritty defense once again held them off. Jack Hughes chased down Kale McCarr stealing the puck and sending it down the ice. As Zach Werenski stayed with it, he caught sight of Hughes up high and confidently, fired off a pass. Hughes received and ripped off a shot for the USA win! This is the first men’s ice hockey gold medal since the “Miracle on Ice” 46 years ago. A toothless Jack Hughes captured it best calling it a “ballsy, gutsy win- that’s American hockey right there.” As Team USA celebrated, they paid tribute to their brother, Johnny Gaudreau, skating #13 Jersey around the rink. This brotherhood extends through generations with many former players extending support. The US Women’s ice hockey team also took gold as they were coached by Ellen Weinberg-Hughes, Quinn and Jack’s mother. These Team USA women and men will serve as role models inspiring the next generation of American hockey players.
