Team USA hero Jack Hughes criticizes Hockey Hall of Fame for keeping gold medal puck: ‘That’s bullshit—‘
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Team USA men’s hockey hero Jack Hughes wants his puck back.
The Hockey Hall of Fame holds the game-winning overtime puck that flew off Hughes’ stick, past Team Canada goalie Jordan Binnington and into the back of the net to give the U.S. its first gold medal in men’s hockey since the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” team during the 2026 Winter Olympics.
While it’s usually an honor to have something in the Hall of Fame, Hughes thinks otherwise.
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Jack Hughes of the United States before a match against Latvia at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Stadium during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games on February 12, 2026, in Milan, Italy. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
“I’m trying to get it,” he told ESPN. “That’s bullshit…for the Hockey Hall of Fame to have it, in my opinion. Why would they have that puck?”
Hughes and Team USA women’s hockey hero Megan Keller, who gave her team Olympic gold in overtime a few days before the men, now have their pucks on display at the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Hughes was still trying to understand the magic of Milan last month, admitting he didn’t know where the winning puck was during an interview on TNT.
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Now that he knows where he is, he wants his and Keller’s album to return to the United States.
“I don’t see why Megan Keller or I shouldn’t have those records,” Hughes added.
Although he didn’t point it out himself, it’s worth noting that the Hockey Hall of Fame is located in Toronto, Canada, the country that Team USA beat in the men’s and women’s gold medal games.
Megan Keller, left, and Hannah Bilka of the United States celebrate after winning the gold medal in women’s ice hockey after defeating Canada during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Stadium on February 19, 2026. (Amber Searls/Image Images)
In addition to the pucks, the “Olympics ’26” display at the Hall of Fame also features Hilary Knight’s Team USA jersey and a stick of Team USA men’s star Matthew Tkachuk. There are other items featured in the case, including a Team Canada jersey worn by captain and hockey legend Sidney Crosby.
“These donated items represent defining moments on the world’s biggest stage and convey powerful stories of national pride and hockey history at the highest level,” Jamie Dinsmore, president and CEO of the Hockey Hall of Fame, told ESPN.
“The Olympic Games ’26 exhibition will help ensure that these unforgettable Olympic moments are preserved for our guests around the world to experience.”
While Dinsmore believes the items should be in the Hall of Fame for all hockey fans around the world, Hughes specifically wants the puck to be gifted to his father.
“I wouldn’t even want it for myself,” he explained. “I would want it for my dad. I know he would love it, he would love to have it.
Jack Hughes of the United States during a match against Slovakia in the semifinals at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Stadium during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games on February 20, 2026, in Milan, Italy. (Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
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“When I look back on my career, I don’t collect too many things for myself, but my dad is a monster collector for the three of us. I know he would have a special place for it.”
While he hasn’t done so yet, Hughes said he would approach the Hall of Fame “at some point.”
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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for News Digital.