Jack Hughes became an American sports hero on Sunday afternoon — and he couldn’t be prouder to represent the Stars and Stripes.
Hughes, 24, drained the game-winning goal to lift Team USA over Canada, 2-1, in an overtime instant-classic that secured the country’s first gold medal in Olympic men’s hockey since 1980.
After the game, Hughes smiled through blood and broken teeth as he reflected on the historic achievement, emphasizing how happy he was to bring glory back to the States.
“This is all about our country right now,” Hughes told NBC. “I love the USA. I love our teammates. It’s unbelievable. The USA hockey brotherhood is so strong. We had so much support from ex-players, and I’m so proud to be American today.”
The U.S. got on the board early with a highlight-reel goal from Matt Boldy before Canada — the most decorated men’s hockey team in Olympic history and odds-on favorites for Sunday’s finale — answered near the end of the second off the stick of Cale Makar.
The score remained knotted at one apiece until the New Jersey Devils star drained the “golden goal” one minute and 41 seconds into the 3-on-3 extra period.
Hughes reflected on the hard-fought victory by praising his U.S. teammates — highlighting the masterful performance from netminder Connor Hellebuyck, who kept the Canadians at bay by stopping 41 of 42 shots on goal.
“Unbelievable game by Hellebuyck,” Hughes said. “He was our best player tonight by a mile. Unbelievable game. Unreal game by our team.
“It’s just a ballsy, gutsy win,” he added. “That’s American hockey right there. That’s a great Canadian team, but we’re USA. We’re so proud to be American. Tonight was all for the country.”
Amid the celebration, the tight-knit Americans paid tribute to late Team USA star Johnny Gaudreau, parading his No. 13 jersey around the ice before bringing his children onto the ice for the team photo.