Olympic Hero Jack Hughes Gets Standing Ovations on the Road

Scoring the winning goal in an Olympic final usually makes you a hero at home, but Jack Hughes is getting love from hockey fans everywhere.

The 24-year-old New Jersey Devils center received a standing ovation from Pittsburgh Penguins fans on Thursday night when his name was announced before the game. It was the second standing ovation in two days for Hughes, who also got one from his home crowd in New Jersey on Wednesday.

Hughes became an instant American hockey legend last Sunday when he scored the golden goal in overtime against Canada to win Team USA's first Olympic gold medal in men's hockey. The thrilling finish in Milan turned the young star into one of the most recognizable names in American hockey.

The celebration that followed was as wild as the win itself. Team USA flew to Miami to party at E11even nightclub before heading to Washington, D.C., to meet President Trump and attend the State of the Union address on Tuesday.

Back on the ice, Hughes has picked up right where he left off. He recorded assists in both games since returning from the Olympics, even as the Devils dropped both contests. The 24-year-old is averaging a point per game this season with 12 goals and 26 assists in 38 games.

The Ripple Effect

The standing ovations from rival fans show how Hughes's Olympic moment transcended team loyalties. Hockey fans across America are united in celebrating a victory that brought the country together, even if just for one magical overtime period.

The gesture from Pittsburgh fans was particularly meaningful. These are supporters who normally reserve their loudest cheers for beating the Devils, not honoring their players. But some moments are bigger than rivalry.

Hughes can expect more of these warm welcomes as the Devils travel to other U.S. cities this season. Canadian arenas might be a different story, where the player who broke their hearts will likely hear a chorus of boos instead of cheers.

For now, Hughes is soaking in the appreciation while focusing on helping his Devils turn their season around.