New Jersey Devils star and Olympic gold medalist Jack Hughes has clarified his earlier comments about the puck from his game-winning goal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, after it sparked controversy over its display at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.
Hughes initially expressed frustration in an ESPN interview, stating he felt it was unfair that the Canadian-based museum possessed the puck, especially since Team USA defeated Team Canada in the final. "That's bulls--- that the Hockey Hall of Fame has it," he said.
He emphasized the puck held sentimental value-not for himself, but for his father, a passionate memorabilia collector. "I wouldn’t even want it for myself. I’d want it for my dad."
The International Ice Hockey Federation donated the puck to the Hall of Fame, which responded by stating the artifact "was never Jack’s puck to own."
Days later, Hughes softened his stance: "Obviously honored that the pucks there. It’s like the most special place in hockey, so I’m honored that it’s there. Things were taken out of context."
The U.S. made history by sweeping men's, women's, and Paralympic sled hockey gold-all with victories over Canada. Megan Keller’s overtime winner also ended up in the Hall of Fame.