Hughes flashes new smile at Yankees opener post-Olympics
New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes threw a ceremonial first pitch at the New York Yankees' home opener against the Miami Marlins on April 3, 2026, debuting a repaired smile after losing teeth in Team USA's Olympic gold medal game. He joined women's team goaltender Aerin Frankel, a New York native and fellow gold medalist, for the honors at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. Hughes took a stick to the mouth during the men's team's overtime victory over Canada at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Hughes scored the game-winner in the Feb. 22 final at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena before the injury. He told reporters he prepared by throwing about 50 pitches right before a morning skate, adding his shoulder grew sore and he had to ease up. Hughes said he hoped for the Yankees pitch after the Olympics, calling it a highlight amid post-gold honors.
Frankel noted the shared celebration marked the first time in history that the U.S. men's and women's hockey teams won Olympic gold together. She described supporting the men at the Olympics and continuing the festivities at Opening Day as particularly enjoyable.
