'I Love the USA,' Jack Hughes Emotional After OT Goal vs. Canada to Win Olympic Gold Medal

Jack Hughes is an American hero after scoring the game-winning goal in overtime of Sunday's men's hockey gold-medal match between the United States and Canada at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, and he was just happy he gave his country a chance to celebrate.

"This is all about our country right now," the New Jersey Devils forward said on the NBC broadcast. "I love the USA. I love my teammates. It's unbelievable. The USA hockey brotherhood is so strong and we had so much support from ex-players. I'm so proud to be an American today."

Hughes' goal, which was set up by a perfectly placed pass by Zach Werenski, came in overtime and gave the Americans a dramatic 2-1 win after Canada largely controlled play throughout regulation.

Werenski got the primary assist, but goaltender Connor Hellebuyck was also credited with an assist on the winner.

It was fitting that Hellebuyck picked up an assist on the goal since he was the Americans' best player throughout the gold-medal match. Canada's collection of star forwards that includes Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon applied constant pressure on the goaltender and the United States defense, but he continued to stand strong.

Even so, it seemed like a matter of time before the Canadians would break through and win the gold, but Hellebuyck stopped breakaways, stuffed point-blank shots and turned in one of the greatest goaltending performances in recent history.

That kept the Red, White and Blue in position to get the gold with a late breakthrough, and Hughes took full advantage with a goal that will be remembered forever.

His goal gave the United States its first Olympic gold medal in men's hockey since the famous Miracle on Ice team in the 1980 Games. While this year's team was a collection of NHL stars and not the massive underdog like the 1980 squad, it still seemed overmatched by Canada for extended stretches.

But none of that mattered when Hughes found the back of the net in a single moment to set off the celebration in the United States.