New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes scored the overtime winning goal for the United States in a victory over Canada in the men's ice hockey gold medal game at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on February 22, 2026, at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, Italy.[1][2]
The goal marked the first U.S. men's Olympic hockey gold medal since the 1980 Lake Placid Games.[3] Hughes expressed frustration that the puck from the goal is held by the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, calling it "bulls---."[4] "I'm trying to get it. … Why would they have that puck?" he told ESPN.[4]
Hughes, a 24-year-old U.S. center and Devils captain, said he wants the puck for his father, a memorabilia collector, rather than for himself.[5] He indicated he would formally contact the Hall, which has returned items to players in the past.
Philip Pritchard, vice president of the resource center and curator at the Hockey Hall of Fame, responded to ESPN: "Unfortunately, in the easiest words, it was never Jack's puck to own." He noted the puck was donated by the International Ice Hockey Federation following the game, with proper documentation.[4]
In international tournaments including the Olympics, officials collect pucks and gear from milestone moments for IIHF donation, unlike in NHL games where players often keep them.
The Hockey Hall of Fame stated that such artifacts are preserved and exhibited worldwide through its museum programs. Staff were present in Milan to facilitate the donation. The puck from Megan Keller's golden goal in the women's final three days earlier was also donated to the Hall.[4]
Sources
- IOC Official Site
Milano Cortina 2026 Venues
Accessed October 2024
https://olympics.com/en/olympic-games/milano-cortina-2026/venues - IIHF Official Site
Olympic Ice Hockey Overview
Accessed October 2024
https://www.iihf.com/en/events/2026/om - Olympics.com
Ice Hockey at the Olympic Winter Games - Men's Results History
Accessed October 2024
https://olympics.com/en/sports/ice-hockey/ - ESPN NHL
NHL and Olympic Hockey Coverage
Accessed October 2024
https://www.espn.com/nhl/ - NHL.com
Jack Hughes Player Profile
Accessed October 2024
https://www.nhl.com/devils/player/jack-hughes-8480024
