Team USA clinched the gold medal with a hard-fought overtime win against arch-rival Canada in the men’s ice hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, on Sunday.
Star forward Jack Hughes, who plays for the New Jersey Devils in the NHL, not only scored the game-winning goal but also delivered a heartfelt patriotic message following the epic triumph.
“This is all about our country right now. I love the USA. I love my teammates. It’s unbelievable. The U.S. are a hockey brotherhood. It’s so strong, and we had so much support from ex-players. I’m so proud to be American today,” Hughes told NBC.
Hughes continued, “Unreal game by our team. It’s just a ballsy, gutsy win. That’s American hockey right there. That’s a great Canadian team, but we’re the USA. We’re so proud to be American. Tonight was all for the country.”
Despite taking a brutal hit in the third period that left him bloodied and missing a few teeth, resulting in a penalty against Canada, Hughes powered through.
The moment quickly went viral on X, as his words stand in stark contrast to some athletes who have used international stages to protest or downplay national pride, reminding us of what true representation looks like.
WATCH:
“This is all about our country right now. I love the USA… We’re so proud to be Americans.”
— Jack Hughes, @usahockey pic.twitter.com/XI9tcdKein
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 22, 2026
The gold medal game, held at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, marked the United States’ first Olympic gold in men’s hockey since the legendary “Miracle on Ice” in 1980, which happened exactly 46 years to the day.
Hughes sealed the victory by beating Canadian goaltender Jordan Binnington in overtime, avenging a previous overtime loss to Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament over a year ago.
THE GOAL HEARD AROUND THE WORLD #WINTEROLYMPICS pic.twitter.com/Y61845Duua
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 22, 2026
Hughes praised his team’s goaltender, Connor Hellebuyck, who made an astonishing 40 saves, calling him “unbelievable” and “our best player tonight by a mile.”
That’s family. #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/McJTyDQrgc
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 22, 2026
Hughes wrapped the American flag around himself in celebration after his overtime goal.
The post Team USA Hockey Hero Jack Hughes Unleashes Pure Patriotism (and Missing Teeth) After Epic Gold Medal Victory Over Canada: ‘I LOVE the USA!’ (VIDEO) appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.