New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill faced a hostile reception from the attendees at a New Jersey Devils hockey game, where the focus was on Olympic hero Jack Hughes. Hughes had recently returned to the NHL after scoring the decisive goal that secured Team USA a gold medal against Canada in the Olympic finals. Sherrill attended the game to participate in a ceremonial puck drop, but upon being introduced, she was met with prolonged boos from the crowd in Newark, indicating a significant amount of discontent towards her in the local sports community.

Despite the negative reception, Sherrill took to social media after the event to share her photos with Hughes and other Olympic players, celebrating their achievements. However, her post was met with further ridicule, as critics highlighted the overwhelming boos she received during the game. Many users on social media expressed their disbelief at her presence at a celebratory event, contrasting it with the crowd's negative reaction, suggesting she is a polarizing figure amid the festivities.

This incident illustrates the ongoing political tensions in New Jersey, particularly around figures like Sherrill, who has been the target of criticism in recent times. The reaction of the fans at such a high-profile public event may reflect broader sentiments regarding her leadership and performance during her tenure as governor, showcasing the intersection of sports and politics in contemporary American society.