Jack Hughes etched his name into USA hockey history at the 2026 Winter Olympics — he just doesn’t have the tangible proof.
The puck that Hughes, 24, scored in overtime of the gold medal game against Canada last month is currently on display at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.
“I’m trying to get it. Like, that’s bulls*** that the Hockey Hall of Fame has it, in my opinion. Why would they have that puck?” Hughes told ESPN on Tuesday, March 17.
This week, the Hockey Hall of Fame began displaying Hughes’ puck and the puck scored in overtime by Team USA women’s hockey star Megan Keller to defeat Canada for gold at the Milano Cortina Games.
“I don’t see why Megan Keller or I shouldn’t have those pucks,” Hughes said.
The New Jersey Devils star explained his desire to get the puck in his hands wasn’t purely selfish in nature.
“I wouldn’t even want it for myself. I’d want it for my dad. I know he’d just love, love having it,” Hughes noted.
Jack’s parents, Jim and Ellen, also share sons Luke, who plays with Jack in New Jersey, and Quinn, who plays for the Minnesota Wild.
“When I look back in time in my career, I don’t collect too many things for myself, but my dad’s a monster collector for the three of us,” Jack added. “I know he would have a special place for it.”
Jack has not yet reached out to the Hall of Fame, but said, “At some point I’ll get on it.”
The “Olympics ‘26” display also features a stick used by Jack’s teammate Brady Tkachuk and a jersey from Team USA’s Hilary Knight.
“These donated items represent defining moments on the world’s biggest stage and carry powerful stories of national pride and hockey history at its highest level,” Hockey Hall of Fame CEO Jamie Dinsmore said of the exhibit. “The Olympics ’26 display will help ensure that these unforgettable Olympic moments are preserved for our guests from around the world to experience.”
The Hall of Fame had not responded to ESPN’s messages about Jack’s puck at the time of this story’s publication.
After scoring the golden goal in Italy, Jack spoke about the overwhelming patriotism he felt.
“This is all about our country right now,” he told NBC Sports’ Kathryn Tappen. “I love the USA. I love my teammates. It’s unbelievable. The USA hockey brotherhood is so strong. We had so much support from ex-players. I’m so proud to be an American today.”
He added, “That’s a great Canadian team, but we’re USA. We’re so proud to be Americans. Tonight was all for the country.”
