By Blessing Nweke
Star forward Jack Hughes is back on the ice with a restored smile, nearly a month after a dramatic injury during Team USA’s gold-medal run at the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics.
Hughes broke several teeth during the third period of the USA’s intense final against Canada on February 22, when a high stick from Sam Bennett struck his face. Despite the painful blow, Hughes remained in the game as both sides pushed into sudden-death overtime tied 1-1.
Moments later, Hughes delivered a defining moment in American hockey history. Off a pass from Zach Werenski, he fired a decisive slapshot past Canadian goaltender Jordan Binnington, sealing the golden goal and securing Team USA’s first Olympic men’s hockey title since 1980.
The image of Hughes’ bloodied, toothless smile quickly became symbolic of the gritty victory.
After returning to his NHL side, the New Jersey Devils, Hughes underwent dental repairs on March 17. The team confirmed the procedure was successful, and he has since resumed play, contributing 21 points since the Olympics.
His mother, Ellen Hughes, expressed relief that the injury was limited to dental damage, noting that his mouth guard likely prevented more serious harm.
Dr. Jason Auerbach of Riverside Oral Surgery, affiliated with the Devils, explained that while custom mouth guards offer protection, the force of high-speed impacts can still cause injury.
Now fully recovered, Hughes continues his strong season, reinforcing both his resilience and his growing legacy in international and professional hockey.
Original article
Comments