NEED TO KNOW
- Jack Hughes said he was “proud to be American” as he talked about his Olympic gold-winning goal, and his impending dental work
- Hughes sealed Team USA’s win over Canada in men’s hockey at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games
- The U.S. players said they received a call from President Donald Trump after the game to congratulate them on the win
Jack Hughes was feeling “proud” to be an American — and ready to get back to the U.S. for some dental work — after scoring the Olympic gold-winning goal.
Moments after Hughes, 24, sealed Team USA’s win over rival Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Sunday, Feb. 22 with his overtime goal, which came 20 minutes after he had several teeth knocked out mid-game, the NHL star was filled with enthusiasm for his country and his teammates.
“This is all about our country right now. I love the U.S.A. I love my teammates, it’s unbelievable,” Hughes told NBC. “The USA Hockey brotherhood, it’s so strong. We had so much support from ex-players, and I’m so proud to be American today.”
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The New Jersey Devils star also shouted out U.S. goalie Connor Hellebuyck, who stopped 41 out of 42 shots during the game.
“It’s an unbelievable game by Hellebuyck. He was our best player tonight by a mile, unbelievable game, unreal game by our team,” he said. “Just a ballsy, gutsy win. That’s American hockey right there. That’s a great Canadian team, but we’re USA, we’re so proud to be Americans. This night was all for our country.”
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Hughes continued with the USA love, and love for its dentists, while talking to reporters, including PEOPLE, in the mixed zone after the medal ceremony.
“I’m lucky I’m from the best country in the world, and we’ve got great dentists there too,” he said, with a toothless smile. “So I’m lucky I’m American and they’re going to fix me right up.”
Team USA, who were seen partying with FBI Director Kash Patel in the locker room after the game, received a celebratory call from President Donald Trump, they told reporters.
“The players just had the president on, I don’t know what it was, what do you call it? FaceTime? Whatever. In the locker room,” Head Coach Mike Sullivan said during their post-game press conference. “So he just spoke to the group, expressing how proud he was of the group and congratulating everybody on the win. Obviously this game, in a lot of ways, was an inspiration to our country.”
Team USA captain Auston Matthews was also asked about the conversation with Trump and what it meant to them.
“We’re all proud Americans, obviously, and I mean, this is a huge moment for us. It’s a huge moment for the United States,” Matthews, 28, said. “He called and just congratulated us.”
“It’s an honor to wear this jersey and to represent the USA and go home with the gold medal,” he added. “You know how much that means to the guys in this room and how much it means to all the people watching and rooting us on, too.”