Devils fans welcome Jack Hughes back to New Jersey with pregame celebration

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NEWARK, N.J. – Jack Hughes and the New Jersey Devils returned to NHL action Wednesday night against the Buffalo Sabres, the first game since the start of the Olympic break. 

Safe to say that a lot has happened since Hughes last pulled the New Jersey sweater over his head and skated on Prudential Center ice. 

Hughes scored the gold medal-winning goal in overtime to defeat Canada during the 2026 Winter Olympics. The 24-year-old is now arguably the biggest American hockey star due to his heroics in Milan, and fans in Newark let him know. 

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Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils skates during warmups before a game at the Prudential Center Feb. 25, 2026, in Newark, N.J.  (Andrew Maclean/NHLI via Getty Images)

Prior to the puck drop against Buffalo, the Devils honored all of their Olympians from 2026, including those who represented foreign nations. As expected, no one received a warmer reception from the crowd than Hughes. 

The pregame ceremony brought fans right back to Sunday morning. As the gold medal-winning goal replayed on the Jumbotron, fans cheered like it was happening in real time. "U-S-A" chant after "U-S-A" chant echoed throughout the arena, which was littered with American flags.

Hughes first grabbed fellow Team USA teammate Tage Thompson from the visiting Buffalo Sabres bench and let fans acknowledge him before grabbing the mic. He nearly broke down in tears while addressing the crowd.

"I’m so proud and I’m so happy that the men’s and women’s USA hockey teams brought gold