Jack Hughes became an American hero on Sunday when he scored the overtime winner against Team Canada in the Olympic final. But the game also cost him a tooth — and now he’s sharing what went through his mind in the moment.
The Olympic hockey final quickly became an instant classic. It featured two of international hockey’s biggest international rivals, Canada and the United States.
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Took a stick to the face
The matchup was intense, physical, and tightly contested, with Team USA ultimately coming out on top thanks to Hughes’ overtime winner. Earlier in the game, Hughes lost one of his front teeth after taking a stick to the face from Sam Bennett.
The celebrations continued Monday in Miami, where Hughes and his teammates visited the nightclub E11even. But once the team returned to the U.S., several players spoke to reporters.
Jack Hughes on missing a tooth
One reporter asked Hughes how he reacted in the moment he realized he had lost a tooth.
“Yeah. I mean, it probably sounds crazy to you guys because it’s just a different profession,” Hughes said. “But in hockey, if you lose your teeth, it’s not even a question of coming back and playing. That’s automatic. I was feeling around my mouth, and I was just disappointed I lost my teeth. But it is what it is now. I’m going to fix these things — I want my good smile back.”
His answer sent the reporters into laughter.
Fans praise Hughes
Fans online are now praising Hughes for his reaction.
“Hughes’ response highlights the toughness and resilience of athletes,” one fan wrote on X.
“These guys train and compete nonstop. You think losing a tooth is going to stop an Olympian?” another added.
“Soccer and basketball players need to take notes — though I guess they make too much money to care,” a third commenter chimed in.
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