Trending Now - Jack Hughes Seeks Return of Olympic Puck Amid Controversy
WHO:
Jack Hughes, New Jersey Devils star and USA Hockey Olympic hero
Philip Pritchard, vice president of the resource center and curator for the Hockey Hall of Fame
Jamie Dinsmore, president of the Hockey Hall of Fame
Jack Hughes, New Jersey Devils star and USA Hockey Olympic hero
Philip Pritchard, vice president of the resource center and curator for the Hockey Hall of Fame
Jamie Dinsmore, president of the Hockey Hall of Fame
International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF)
WHAT:
Hughes stated, "I'm trying to get it. … Why would they have that puck?" regarding the Hockey Hall of Fame's possession of the puck.
Pritchard explained, "Unfortunately, in the easiest words, it was never Jack's puck to own," in response to Hughes' request.
The Hall of Fame confirmed that items are formally transferred to them through the IIHF's established artifact donation process.
Jack Hughes scored the game-winning goal in overtime during the men's gold medal game against Canada.
The goal secured the United States its first gold medal in men's hockey since 1980.
The puck from Hughes' goal is currently featured in a new "Olympics '26" exhibit at the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Hughes described the situation as "bulls---" regarding the Hall of Fame's possession of the puck.
Hughes expressed a desire to have the puck for his father, Jim, who is a "monster collector" of hockey memorabilia.
The IIHF stated that Hughes' puck was secured and designated for archival preservation with the Hockey Hall of Fame.
WHERE:
Hockey Hall of Fame, Toronto, Canada
Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, Milan, Italy
WHEN:
The men's gold medal game took place on February 22nd, 2026.
Megan Keller's golden goal was scored three days before Hughes' goal, on February 19th, 2026.
WHY:
Pritchard noted that as a nonprofit registered charity in Canada, the Hall of Fame has a legal document confirming the donation of the puck.
The Hockey Hall of Fame has a process for collecting and preserving artifacts from international tournaments, including the Olympics, which involves the IIHF.
HOW:
The Hockey Hall of Fame has a paper trail and signed paperwork for every artifact that has been donated to them.
An on-ice official collects pucks and gear during international tournaments, which are then delivered to an off-ice official for identification and donation to the IIHF.
(UPDATED March 19, 2026 01:26 UTC)
In a recent statement, New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes expressed confusion over the Hockey Hall of Fame's possession of a puck, asking, "Why would they have that puck?" In response, Philip Pritchard, vice president of the resource center at the Hall, clarified that it was never Hughes' puck to own and explained that the Hall has a legal document confirming the donation of the puck through the IIHF's established artifact donation process. Pritchard emphasized that the Hall maintains a thorough paper trail and signed paperwork for every artifact that has been donated to them.
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(UPDATED March 18, 2026 23:17 UTC)
In a thrilling finish to the men's gold medal game on February 22, 2026, Jack Hughes scored the game-winning goal in overtime against Canada, securing the United States its first gold medal in men's hockey since 1980. The puck from Hughes' memorable goal is now part of a new "Olympics '26" exhibit at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, although Hughes expressed frustration over the Hall's possession of it, wishing instead to keep it for his father, a passionate collector of hockey memorabilia. The International Ice Hockey Federation confirmed that the puck was designated for archival preservation, following a process where officials collect and identify game artifacts during international tournaments.