Jack Hughes criticizes Hockey Hall of Fame over puck from U.S. Olympic golden goal
Authored by 4sportbikes.net, 19-03-2026
New Jersey Devils captain Jack Hughes, a 23-year-old American center,[1] expressed frustration that the Hockey Hall of Fame possesses the puck from his overtime game-winning goal that secured the United States' first men's Olympic ice hockey gold medal since 1980.
The goal came in the gold medal game against Canada on February 22, 2026, at Milano Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, Italy,[2] during the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Speaking to ESPN, Hughes called the Hall's possession "bulls---," questioning, "I'm trying to get it … Why would they have that puck?" He said he wants the puck for his father, an avid collector of his sons' memorabilia, adding he does not collect many items himself.
Hockey Hall of Fame curator Philip Pritchard told ESPN the puck was donated by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) after the game and was never Hughes' to own. Pritchard emphasized a paper trail and signed paperwork for all donated artifacts.[3]
The Hall, located in Toronto,[3] stated that IIHF artifacts are added to its permanent collection, preserved, exhibited and shared globally through museum programs. Hall staff assisted with the donation process in Milan. It also received the puck from U.S. player Megan Keller's golden goal in the women's final three days earlier.
In Olympic tournaments, officials collect pucks and gear for IIHF donation, unlike NHL games where players often keep milestone items.
Hughes said he plans to formally contact the Hall, which has returned items to players in the past.
Sources
- NHL.com
Jack Hughes player profile
Accessed October 2024
https://www.nhl.com/devils/player/jack-hughes-8480020 - Olympics.com
Milano Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena
Accessed October 2024
https://olympics.com/en/milano-cortina-2026/olympic-venues/ice-hockey-milano-santa-giulia-arena/ - Hockey Hall of Fame official website
Philip Pritchard / Resource Centre
Accessed October 2024
https://www.hhof.com/page/keeper-of-the-cup-philip-pritchard - Wikipedia
Ice hockey at the Olympic Games (Men)
Accessed October 2024
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_hockey_at_the_Olympic_Games#Men