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Team USA men’s hockey hero Jack Hughes wants his puck back.
The Hockey Hall of Fame features the game-winning overtime puck that flew off Hughes’ stick, went past Team Canada goaltender Jordan Binnington and hit the back of the net to give the United States 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 a Hall of Fame, Hughes thinks otherwise.
Jack Hughes of the United States before a match against Latvia at the Milan Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena during the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on February 12, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
“I’m trying to get it,” he told ESPN. “Like, it’s bulls— that the Hockey Hall of Fame has 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 just days before the men, both have their pucks on display in the Hockey Hall of Fame now.
Still trying to wrap his head around the magic of Milan last month, Hughes admitted he didn’t know where the game-winning puck was during an interview on TNT.
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Now that he knows where it is, he wants his and Keller’s puck back in the United States.
“I don’t see why Megan Keller or I shouldn’t have those pucks,” 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 Team USA beat in both the men’s and women’s gold medal games.
Megan Keller, left, and Hannah Bilka of the United States celebrate after winning the women’s ice hockey gold medal after defeating Canada during the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at the Milan Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 19, 2026. (Amber Searls/Imagn Images)
Aside from the pucks, the “Olympics ’26” exhibit at the Hall of Fame also features the jersey of Team USA’s Hilary Knight and, as a stick, Team USA men’s star Matthew Tkachuk. There are other items 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 carry powerful stories of national pride and hockey history at its highest level,” Jamie Dinsmore, president and CEO of the Hockey Hall of Fame, told ESPN.
“The Olympics ’26 display will help ensure that these unforgettable Olympic moments are preserved for our guests from around the world to experience.”
While Dinsmore believes the items should be in the Hall of Fame for all hockey fans around the globe, Hughes specifically wants the puck to give to his father.
“I didn’t even want it for myself,” he explained. “I want it for my dad. I know he would just love, love to have it.
Jack Hughes of the United States during a match against Slovakia in the semifinals at the Milan Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena during the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games on February 20, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
“Looking 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.”
Although he hasn’t yet, Hughes said he wants to reach the Hall of Fame “at some point.”
