Olympic champion Jack Hughes is calling for the Hockey Hall of Fame to hand over his gold-medal-winning puck after fuming at the ‘bulls***’ decision to give it to the museum.
Hughes, whose overtime winner against Canada last month crowned the USA men’s hockey team Olympic champions for the first time since 1980, was not allowed to keep the iconic memento despite proving the hero for his country at the Milan-Cortina Games.
Women’s star Megan Keller is also not in possession of the puck she fired home to earn the female team their own overtime gold-medal victory over the Canadians.
Instead, both pucks are featured in a special Olympics ’26 display at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, which also includes a Hilary Knight USA women’s jersey and a stick used by men’s player Brady Tkachuk.
‘I’m trying to get it,’ Hughes told ESPN about his own puck. ‘Like, that’s bulls*** that the Hockey Hall of Fame has it, in my opinion. Why would they have that puck?’
‘I don’t see why Megan Keller or I shouldn’t have those pucks,’ the 24-year-old added.
Olympic champion Jack Hughes is calling for the Hockey Hall of Fame to hand over his gold-medal-winning puck
Hughes scored the overtime winner in USA’s gold-medal triumph over Canada last month
Now the 24-year-old wants to get his hands on the iconic puck, which is with the HHOF
Hughes admits he didn’t realize the puck hadn’t been given to him until former NHL player and coach Tony Granato asked him where it was during a recent interview on TNT.
‘I honestly don’t know where that puck went. I know who doesn’t have it is me. I sure as hell don’t have it,’ the NHL star told Granato.
His admission initially sparked fears that the puck had been lost, only for the International Ice Hockey Federation to confirm to Sportico last month that it was ‘designated for archival preservation with the HHOF to ensure its long-term safekeeping and historical recognition.’
However, Hughes is keen to get his hands on the historic item and give it to his father.
‘I wouldn’t even want it for myself. I’d want it for my dad. I know he’d just love, love having it,’ he added.
‘When I look back in time in my career, I don’t collect too many things for myself, but my dad’s a monster collector for the three of us. I know he would have a special place for it.’
Despite his protests, Hughes faces an uphill battle to get the puck back after the Hockey Hall of Fame’s president and CEO gushed over the ‘powerful stories’ such mementos provide for the museum.
‘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,’ said Jamie Dinsmore.
‘The Olympics ’26 display will help ensure that these unforgettable Olympic moments are preserved for our guests from around the world to experience.’
