The NHL season resumed on Wednesday night and the New Jersey Devils were at home facing the Buffalo Sabres. This would be the first time that Jack Hughes would be on the ice since scoring the golden goal in overtime for Team U.S.A. against Team Canada in the Olympics. Before the game, Hughes spoke to the fans, and he also called Sabres forward Tage Thompson to skate out with him.
The fans in New Jersey were going crazy because of Team U.S.A. winning the gold medal. It was a special night for Hughes in the arena. There were a lot of Devils fans in the stands wearing his jersey as well.
Advertisement
New Jersey Devils Superstar Jack Hughes Sends Heartfelt Message to Fans Before the Game
Before the game, Hughes took the microphone and spoke to all of the fans in attendance for the Sabes and the Devils game. He has spoken previously about how proud he is to be a member of Team U.S.A. Hughes said to the fans in attendance on Wednesday night, “I’m so proud and I’m so happy that the Men’s and Women’s USA Hockey teams brought Gold Medals back to the United States of America.”
He should be proud of this accomplishment. This is not going to be the last time that Hughes is going to be receiving these kinds of ovations for the rest of the season. It is going to continue for him. Despite the Devils losing 2-1 to the Sabres on Wednesday night, this story of what he did before the game overshadowed it.
Advertisement
New Jersey will be in game action once again on Thursday night on the road against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Devils playoff chances continue to dwindle by the day, but Hughes being on Team U.S.A. tour for the rest of the season is going to be the perfect distraction of how really bad this New Jersey team is.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.