Jack Hughes for President
Jack Hughes for President
His unabashed patriotism was as inspiring as his winning overtime goal for the Olympic hockey gold medal.
By
The Editorial Board
Feb. 22, 2026 5:12 pm ET
There isn’t much that unifies all of America these days, but the Olympic overtime victories by the U.S. men’s and women’s hockey teams ought to qualify for anyone with a modicum of patriotic feeling.
First the women won on a stellar goal by Megan Keller. The gold-medal game was closer than most expected since the U.S. team had rolled through the field and has been strong for a long time. But Team Canada put up a spirited fight.
The victory by the men was even more special as the first U.S. Olympic gold medal in hockey since the 1980 “miracle on ice” over the Soviets. The Canadian men have long been dominant and beat the Yanks in overtime in 2010. That made Sunday’s victory all the more satisfying for American hockey.
The best moment was watching Jack Hughes—he of the gap-toothed hockey smile—celebrate in ecstatic fashion with his teammates after he slipped a shot through the legs of the Canadian goalie for the victory.
Anyone who has experienced the thrill of a team victory after years of hard work knows such a moment is unlike few others in life. Mr. Hughes, who plays professionally for the New Jersey Devils, may never have to buy a drink in New Jersey again.
But the 24-year-old was even more impressive in his interview after the game on NBC. He paid tribute to the team’s goalie, Connor Hellebuyck, who saved the day multiple times as Team Canada outplayed the Yanks for most of the third period. And then Mr. Hughes said without a trace of cynical calculation, “This is all about our country now. I love the USA. I love my teammates. It’s unbelievable. The USA hockey brotherhood is so strong . . . I’m so proud to be American today.”
Imagine that: An expression of unabashed patriotism from an American athlete.
No doubt Canadians feel the loss to the U.S. more acutely amid President Trump’s jingoistic and needless attacks on their sovereignty. But Mr. Hughes paid tribute to the Canadians, and his patriotism was born of passionate competition rather than politics. Yet given who else is likely to run, we could do worse than Jack Hughes for President.
Link: Hughes
Replies to: Jack Hughes for President
Not a chance... he's Jewish.
(no message)
Hockey players are built differently. Hughes took a stick to the mouth, busted his front teeth and
Bloodied his mouth. He stayed in the game and scored the Golden Goal. Maybe football players would do the same, maybe.
Unfortunately, this win will not be the same as the 1980 twin. It will not do for the country what that win did. We, as a country, as in much worse shape. There is no real outward hatred for another country. What is going on now is totally internal to the US between parties.
I thought he might go after the dude who high sticked him.
But it didn't seem to bother him.
Time and place. I don’t think Hughes (either brother) has that in their game though. I think there
Will be some things settled in the NHL that happened in the Olympics. Or they could wait for the next 4 Nations.
Your posts on the Olympic hockey have been spot on.
I don't normally agree with you on issues, but I scanned the board this morning and your thoughts on the game echo mine. Just giving credit where it's due.
Thanks man. I can watch just about any hockey game. No better sport to
Watch in person. Had lots of tough years being a Flyer fan but it doesn’t take away my love of the game. Playoffs are almost here and the hardest championship to win in all of sports will be up for grabs. Best time of the year.
Get yourself ready for an awkward moment Wednesday night at the Lightning's game.
"Ladies and gentlemen, get out of your seats and give a standing ovation to your Team USA gold medal captain...Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs!!"
That’s hysterical. I can stomach the Lightning. I really like John Cooper.
With even how good they are, they still have fans invade their home stadium when certain teams are in town. With how this team has performed, that should not happen.
As far as international play; the next 4 Nations needs to have a Russian team. Way too many excellent players in the league to not include them. It’s a sports crime to not see them on the ice against Canada and the US.
I wonder if it will carry over to the NHL.
Especially with the sour grapes talk from the Canadians.
Jack Hughes has 0 PIMs so far this season.
There is no chance he's going to pick a fight with Sam Bennett over an accidental stick to the face. Bennett would remove the rest of Jack's teeth. He's an animal.
I agree, I don't see Hughes doing something.
Other people may get sick of the Canadian bitching and that could make something happen.
They sound like little bitches. They benefited from the 3v3
In the prior game. They had McDavid, Makar and McKinnon on the ice to start the OT. They are 3 of the best in the NHL right now. They knew the rules going in. Getting beat by a great goal tending performance sucks but tip your hat to the US and move on.
If they want to complain, go bitch at Makar for a weak ass back check instead of busting his ass up the ice to defend. McKinnon got bodied off the puck by Weirinski on the play too. Play harder and stop being Canadian pussies about losing.
Consent Management