USA hockey hero Jack Hughes shouts out Megan Keller after Olympic gold medal win

Yahoo! Sports - News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games

23 February 2026 at 00:54

U.S. hockey star Jack Hughes signed his name in the book of history on Sunday. Despite being suffocated by Canada during the gold-medal game in the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, Team USA survived, forced overtime and dramatically won the game.

Hughes scored at 61:41 to give the team the win and the gold medal after 46 years. The New Jersey Devils center revealed who was the first person he thought of after making history for Team USA.

MORE: Dylan Larkin gives touching Gaudreau family tribute after USA’s Olympic gold medal

Fittingly, he mentioned Megan Keller, who gave Team USA women’s hockey the gold medal against Canada on Thursday. He gave the team a 2-1 lead, too, after captain Hilary Knight sent the game into overtime.

Jackie Redmon of the NHL Network asked Hughes who he thought of first after scoring the game-sealing goal.

MORE: USA vs Canada gold medal result, full list of goal scorers

Jack Hughes went viral with bloody interview following Team USA’s win over Canada

Jack Hughes was brilliant and passionate during the gold-medal game. The center spoke with NBC Sports reporter Kathryn Tappen in a viral moment. As he spoke about his love for the country, Hughes had a bloody lip and missing teeth.

“This is all about our country right now,” Hughes said after the victory. “I love the USA, I love my teammates … the USA hockey brotherhood is so strong. I’m so proud to be American tonight.”

Team USA pulled off a big win against the Sidney Crosby-less Canada. They faced off against Connor McDavid, but the Edmonton Oilers star failed to get the job done, adding to a grim streak when it comes to collective trophies.

Hughes and Keller made history with their gold-medal game performances, and Team USA went two for two in the Olympic hockey tournaments.