Jack Hughes: Olympic Hero
In a whirlwind of excitement that has followed his triumphant overtime goal at the Milan Cortina Olympics, Jack Hughes, the 24-year-old star forward for the New Jersey Devils, is navigating the aftermath of becoming an Olympic hero. Despite the chaos, Hughes is enjoying the ride, even as he anticipates a time when things might settle down.
Surreal Moments in Pittsburgh
During a recent game in Pittsburgh on Thursday night, Hughes experienced one of those surreal moments when the crowd at PPG Paints Arena honored his recent achievements with a hearty ovation. As he took to the ice, the arena erupted into chants of “Huuuuuughhhes! Huuuuuughhhes!” followed by a chorus of “U-S-A! U-S-A!” A reminder of his monumental overtime goal against Canada, which secured the United States its first Olympic gold in men’s hockey in nearly half a century, the moment caught him off guard. Despite sharing the spotlight with prominent athletes such as Sidney Crosby, Hughes expressed his pride in the support he received from the local fans.
“I knew they’d do something, but obviously, you know, Crosby’s the biggest athlete here. I’m sure they were cheering for Canada as well, but there were definitely a lot of proud Americans in the crowd tonight. It was something I’ll always remember.”
This moment harkens back to 16 years ago, when Pittsburgh fans similarly celebrated Ryan Miller, a Buffalo Sabres goaltender who faced Crosby’s Team Canada during the 2010 Olympics.
Unexpected Recognition
Hughes was recently honored at a ceremony in New Jersey, and continued recognition on the road was an experience he hadn’t anticipated. Following his triumph, he has also enjoyed highlights like visiting the White House and making an appearance during President Trump’s State of the Union address. Yet, amidst the glory, he admits processing these events has been a challenge, particularly as he re-engages with the regular season grind.
“Getting back on the ice and playing has been the best thing that’s happened to me,”
Hughes stated, emphasizing the relief he finds in routine. Even as he navigates a schedule filled with distractions, he remains focused on the game, ready for another opportunity when the Devils face off against the St. Louis Blues this Saturday. The excitement from recent days has certainly made it a memorable period in his career.
Embracing the Journey
As Hughes embraces his role as an Olympic champion, he knows this exhilarating chapter in his life will eventually calm, but for now, he revels in the jubilance that surrounds him.
