New Jersey Devils captain Jack Hughes scored the overtime winning goal for the United States men's ice hockey team in the gold medal game against Canada at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, securing the program's first gold medal since the 1980 Lake Placid Games.^[1][3]

The puck from Hughes' goal is on display at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Canada, alongside items from the U.S. women's gold medal victory over Canada and other Olympic artifacts, including a jersey worn by U.S. women's captain Hilary Knight and a stick from U.S. men's player Matthew Tkachuk.^[2]

Hughes, a 24-year-old U.S. center currently with the NHL's New Jersey Devils, told ESPN he wants the puck returned, particularly for his father, a avid collector.^[1] "I’m trying to get it," Hughes said. "Like, that’s bulls--- that the Hockey Hall of Fame has it, in my opinion. Why would they have that puck?"

He referenced the similar situation with U.S. women's defender Megan Keller's overtime goal puck from the gold medal game days earlier, saying, "I don’t see why Megan Keller or I shouldn’t have those pucks."

Hockey Hall of Fame president and CEO Jamie Dinsmore defended the display to ESPN, stating, "These donated items represent defining moments on the world’s biggest stage and carry powerful stories of national pride and hockey history at its highest level. The Olympics ’26 display will help ensure that these unforgettable Olympic moments are preserved for our guests from around the world to experience."^[2]

The men's gold medal game took place at Milano Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, Italy, one of two venues for the Olympic ice hockey tournament held from February 6 to 22, 2026.^[4]

The U.S. men's victory marked their first Olympic title since the "Miracle on Ice" semifinal upset of the Soviet Union on February 22, 1980, followed by a 4-2 win over Finland in the final.^[3]

Sources

1. NHL.com
   New Jersey Devils - Player Profile: Jack Hughes
   Accessed October 2024
   https://www.nhl.com/devils/player/jack-hughes-8480020
2. Hockey Hall of Fame
   About the Hall / President and CEO
   Accessed October 2024
   https://www.hhof.com/thehallofame/aboutus.htm
3. Olympics.com
   Ice hockey at the 1980 Olympic Winter Games - Men's tournament
   Accessed October 2024
   https://olympics.com/en/olympic-games/lake-placid-1980/results/ice-hockey-men
4. Olympics.com
   Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic venues - Santa Giulia Arena
   Accessed October 2024
   https://olympics.com/en/milano-cortina-2026/olympic-venues/santa-giulia-arena