Jack Hughes and Quinn Hughes Shine in Olympic Debut for Team USA
The Olympic dream became a reality for the Hughes family on Thursday as brothers Jack Hughes and Quinn Hughes made their debut for Team USA at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. The American men’s hockey team secured a dominant 5-1 victory against Team Latvia, with both Hughes brothers contributing significantly with two assists each. Adding to the family’s presence, their mother, Ellen Weinberg-Hughes, is serving as a player development consultant for the women’s team.
“The best part for me is being here with Quinn,” Jack Hughes shared. “We’re lucky that we get to share our first Olympics with our mom, too. Who gets to say that? It’s pretty special.”
A Long-Awaited Team-Up
This Olympic appearance marks a significant moment for the brothers, especially considering a previous setback. They were initially slated to play together at the 4 Nations Face-Off last season, but Quinn’s oblique injury prevented his participation. The U.S. team ultimately lost to Canada 3-2 in overtime. Quinn Hughes, the 2023-24 Norris Trophy winner as the NHL’s best defenseman, was widely considered a potential game-changer in that tournament.
Quinn Hughes’ Impact and Recent Performance
U.S. General Manager Bill Guerin, also the GM of the Minnesota Wild, highlighted Quinn’s recent performance. Since being traded to the Wild from the Vancouver Canucks on December 12th, Quinn has amassed 34 points (three goals, 31 assists) in 26 games, just one point behind Evan Bouchard of the Edmonton Oilers (35 points) and tied with Lane Hutson of the Montreal Canadiens for second place among defensemen in that span.
“I think he’s going to give us a big boost,” Guerin stated. “I have seen it firsthand what he can do for a team and the way he moves the puck up and how he can control the flow of the game… He’s a unique player, and so to have him as part of the group this year, I think, is a huge boost for us.”
Strategic Deployment and Team Commitment
Despite playing a slightly reduced role against Latvia (21:29 minutes compared to his NHL average of 27:52), Quinn led all U.S. skaters in ice time. Jack Hughes, a star for the New Jersey Devils, found himself on the fourth line, a departure from his usual role. However, he embraced the challenge, contributing effectively with 11:14 of ice time.
“I think the thing that we’ve been talking about is just buying in and whatever it takes,” Jack Hughes explained. “I’m just so pumped to be here and be at the Olympics and playing for the U.S., so if it’s fourth line, whatever it may be, I’m ready to play that role.”
Looking Ahead: Team USA’s Olympic Goals
Team USA is aiming for its first Olympic gold medal in men’s hockey since 1980 and a best-on-best tournament title since the 1996 World Cup of Hockey. The Hughes brothers, along with the rest of the team, are committed to achieving this goal. Forward Matthew Tkachuk praised Jack Hughes’ willingness to sacrifice for the team’s success.
“It’s probably different than what he’s playing in New Jersey, but then again, it’s sacrifice,” Tkachuk said. “It’s commitment. That’s how we’re going to win, and a guy like that doing that just makes our team so much better.”
The Americans will return to action on Saturday against Team Denmark at Santagiulia Arena (3:10 p.m. ET; Peacock, USA, ICI Télé, CBC Gem, TSN).
Stay up-to-date with the Men’s Hockey action at the Olympic Winter Games: https://olympics.com/en/olympic-winter-games/milano-cortina-2026/hockey
