NEWARK, N.J. — Jack Hughes, an Olympic champion for the U.S., received accolades from the New Jersey Devils prior to their Wednesday night match against the Buffalo Sabres, as NHL action recommenced following a three-week hiatus.
The Devils displayed footage of Hughes’ sudden-death score during the United States’ 2-1 triumph over Canada on Sunday, which occurred in the gold-medal match held in Milan. The 24-year-old center, during the third period of that contest, sustained dental damage after being struck by a high stick from Sam Bennett.
“I am immensely gratified and joyful that both the men’s and women’s hockey teams returned the gold medal to America,” Hughes declared to the assembly. “Moreover, I am exceedingly proud to stand for the New Jersey Devils franchise and to represent this distinguished commonwealth of New Jersey.”
Hughes did not attend the morning practice session on Wednesday. He reached New Jersey late on Tuesday evening, having been commended alongside his fellow American squad members by President Donald Trump during the State of the Union address.
Earlier this week, a well-known delicatessen situated close to the Prudential Center dubbed a sandwich in honor of Hughes. The sandwich is promoted as being “so tender, you don’t need teeth.”