Trending Now - Hughes Rallies Team USA Ahead of WBC Quarterfinal Vs. Canada

WHO:

Jack Hughes, New Jersey Devils star and Olympic hockey hero

Mark DeRosa, manager of Team USA

Aaron Judge, captain of Team USA

Bobby Witt Jr., shortstop for Team USA

Josh Naylor, player for Team Canada and Seattle Mariners

WHAT:

Jack Hughes sent a motivational message to Team USA ahead of their World Baseball Classic (WBC) quarterfinal against Canada.

Hughes scored the game-winning overtime goal for Team USA in the men's hockey gold medal match against Canada on February 22nd, 2026.

Team USA lost to Italy with a score of 8-6, which put their advancement to the quarterfinals in jeopardy.

Italy defeated Mexico 9-1, allowing Team USA to advance to the quarterfinals.

Team USA has won four consecutive matchups against Canada in the WBC, with the last two victories in 2017 and 2023 by a combined score of 20-1.

WHERE:

The WBC quarterfinal against Canada is taking place at Daikin Park in Houston.

WHEN:

The WBC quarterfinal against Canada is scheduled for March 13th, 2026.

The men's hockey gold medal match took place on February 22nd, 2026.

WHY:

Major League Baseball's communications staff requested Hughes to send a message of encouragement to Team USA because he is a die-hard New York Yankees fan and his father was born in the Bronx.

The motivation from USA Hockey's gold medal wins has inspired Team USA in the WBC.

HOW:

Hughes recorded a hype video in the Devils' locker room, which was shared privately with the WBC players.

Manager Mark DeRosa shared Hughes' message in the players' group chat.

(UPDATED March 13, 2026 11:09 UTC)

In a show of support for Team USA ahead of their World Baseball Classic quarterfinal against Canada, New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes recorded a motivational video that was shared by manager Mark DeRosa. Team USA, which recently faced a nail-biting loss to Italy with a score of 8-6, is looking to build on their success against Canada, having won four consecutive matchups in the WBC. The quarterfinal game is set to take place today at Daikin Park in Houston, where Hughes hopes to inspire the team just as he did when he scored the game-winning goal in the men's hockey gold medal match against Canada last month.