USA Olympic hero Jack Hughes lost 'golden goal' puck. He wants it back.

Josh Peter, USA TODAYWed, March 18, 2026 at 2:01 AM UTC

0

The story of the U.S. men’s hockey team winning the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics features a twist.

You know about Jack Hughes’ teeth, two of them knocked out before he scored the winning goal in a 2-1 overtime victory over Canada to secure the gold medal.

But do you know about the missing puck?

Specifically, the puck Hughes shot past Canada goalie Jordan Binnington for the game-winning goal, which gave the U.S. hockey team its first Olympic gold medal since the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" team.

So where’s the “golden goal’’ puck? Did somebody get that puck? That's what former NHL player Tony Granato asked Hughes Feb. 26 during an interview on TNT.

"I honestly don't know where that puck went,’’ Hughes said. “I know who doesn't have it is me. I sure as hell don't have it.’’

1 / 0See USA and Canada clash as Olympic rivalry continues

Jack Eichel #9 of Team United States and Nathan MacKinnon #29 of Team Canada face off in the first period during the Men's Gold Medal match between Canada and the United States on day 16 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

Who has Jack Hughes' 'golden goal' puck?

A day after that interview, a spokesperson for the International Ice Hockey Federation told Sportico the puck was "designated for archival preservation with the (Hockey Hall of Fame) to ensure its long-term safekeeping and historical recognition."

Advertisement

Hughes, back in the NHL with the New Jersey Devils, is not celebrating the decision like he did the golden goal.

"I'm trying to get it,’’ Hughes said of the puck in an exclusive interview with ESPN Tuesday, March 17. “Like, that's (b.s.) that the Hockey Hall of Fame has it, in my opinion. Why would they have that puck?"

That puck, along with the puck Megan Keller shot and scored in overtime that secured a gold medal for the U.S. women’s hockey team, are part of an "Olympics '26" display at the Hockey Hall of Fame, according to ESPN.

But not permanently. If Hughes can help it.

"I don't see why Megan Keller or I shouldn't have those pucks," Hughes told ESPN, explaining that his father has collected hockey memorabilia during the careers of Jack and his two brothers. "I wouldn't even want it for myself. I'd want it for my dad. I know he'd just love, love having it."

And what about those missing teeth?

That’s a story for another day.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: USA Olympic hero Jack Hughes wants 'golden goal' puck. Can he get it?

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Sports”