NEWARK, N.J. — Olympic champion Jack Hughes was celebrated by the New Jersey Devils before their Wednesday night showdown with the Buffalo Sabres, marking the return of NHL action after a three-week hiatus.
The Devils presented footage of Hughes’ overtime goal, which secured a 2-1 victory for the United States against Canada in the gold medal match in Milan. The 24-year-old center suffered a few dental injuries in the third period when Sam Bennett struck him with a high stick.
“I’m incredibly proud and thrilled that both the men’s and women’s hockey teams brought the gold medal back home to America,” Hughes conveyed to the audience. “I take great pride in representing the New Jersey Devils and the wonderful state of New Jersey.”
Hughes did not participate in the morning skate on Wednesday, as he returned to New Jersey late Tuesday night after being honored with his U.S. teammates by President Donald Trump during the State of the Union address.
He contributed an assist in the Devils’ 2-1 defeat to the Sabres.
Earlier this week, a well-known deli close to the Prudential Center created a sandwich in Hughes’ honor, touted as being “so tender, you don’t need teeth.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
