Jack Hughes scored a golden goal for the U.S. men's ice hockey team, leading them to their first Olympic gold medal in 46 years despite suffering a broken tooth during the match.
In a thrilling final at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, U.S. men's ice hockey player Jack Hughes heroically scored a golden goal, securing victory against Canada and marking the United States' first Olympic gold in this sport since 1980. Despite the pain from a broken tooth incurred during the game, Hughes celebrated with his teammates, overwhelmed with joy after ending a 46-year wait for U.S. hockey glory.
The match took place at the Santa Giuliana Arena, where Hughes and his team faced down fierce competition from Canada. The Americans took an early lead with a goal from Matt Boldy in the first period, but the Canadians rallied back with a late equalizer from Kael Makar in the second, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish. Hughes endured a particularly intense moment when he sustained a broken tooth from a high stick but managed to shake it off, as the game proceeded to overtime.
In overtime, after just 1 minute and 41 seconds, Hughes received a crucial pass from a teammate and scored the decisive golden goal, sealing victory for the U.S. Hughes, the first overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, demonstrated incredible skill and determination throughout the tournament, finishing with 4 goals and 3 assists. His brother, Quinn Hughes, also played a key role in earlier rounds, highlighting a standout performance from the Hughes brothers that not only won the gold but reestablished the U.S. as a force in Olympic hockey.
