JNS
Jewish brothers propel US hockey team to gold medal in 2-1 win over Canada
Ben Baruch
February 22, 2026

Jack Hughes, of the New Jersey Devils, scored the game-winning overtime goal on Sunday to clinch the gold medal for the United States over Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina—the first time Team USA has won gold since the “miracle on ice” in the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, N.Y. The win came on the 46th anniversary of that “miracle,” in which the underdog American team beat the Soviet powerhouse to advance to the gold medal game. The Jewish native of Orlando, Fla., was proud to deliver the moment for his home country on Sunday. “This is all about our country right now. I love the USA. I love my teammates. It’s unbelievable,” Hughes told NBC. “The USA Hockey brotherhood. It’s so strong. We had so much support from ex-players, and I’m so proud to be American today.” Another brotherhood was on display in the game. The game winner’s older brother, Quinn Hughes of the Minnesota Wild, scored the game-winner in the quarter finals to defeat Sweden. READ MORE