{"id":487610,"date":"2026-02-24T12:32:10","date_gmt":"2026-02-24T12:32:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/487610\/"},"modified":"2026-02-24T12:32:10","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T12:32:10","slug":"fans-loved-what-jack-hughes-did-in-postgame-presser-after-team-usas-gold-medal-win","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/487610\/","title":{"rendered":"Fans Loved What Jack Hughes Did in Postgame Presser After Team USA\u2019s Gold Medal Win"},"content":{"rendered":"

There might be too many iconic postgame moments to count from Team USA\u2019s 2-1 overtime win<\/a> over longtime-rival Canada in the gold medal game at the Milan Cortina Olympics.<\/p>\n

The players emotionally holding up Johnny Gaudreau\u2019s jersey <\/a>and bringing his two sons onto the ice. Quinn Hughes asking for another beer mid-press conference<\/a>. And his brother, the toothless Jack Hughes<\/a>, staunchly defending one of their teammates shortly after scoring the goal to give the Americans their first gold since 1980.<\/p>\n

In the Olympic final postgame presser, Team USA captain Auston Matthews was preparing to answer a question about returning to the NHL, where Matthews\u2019 Maple Leafs has historically struggled in the postseason year after year (Toronto hasn\u2019t made it to the Stanley Cup Finals since 1967).<\/p>\n

As the reporter tried to get an answer out of Matthews about taking his Olympic winning experience back to the NHL, Jack Hughes jumped in to stick up for the American captain.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it doesn’t matter what anyone says now. Auston Matthews is a winner. Auston Matthews is an Olympic gold medalist. He’s a winner,\u201d Hughes said.<\/p>\n

The Hughes brothers defending Papi. Oh, I love them even more! LOVE this trio! \ud83d\ude0d\ud83d\ude0d\ud83d\ude0d Take that, stupid media! \ud83d\ude18\u2764\ufe0f\u2764\ufe0f\u2764\ufe0f P. S. Quinn asking for another beer \ud83c\udf7a\ud83e\udd23 #LeafsForever<\/a> #MilanoCortina2026<\/a> #WinterOIympics<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/TdeBdzFqiy<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Marty Matthews (@martymatthews34) February 23, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

#NJDevils<\/a> Jack Hughes goes to bat for USA\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 teammate and captain Auston Matthews:<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it doesn’t matter what anyone says now. Auston Matthews is a winner. Auston Matthews is an Olympic gold medalist. He’s a winner. That\u2019s what the media in Toronto should be talking about.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2014 Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) February 22, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Nothing but class from the newly minted American legend.<\/p>\n

Jack Hughes, along with his brother Quinn, played a pivotal role in securing gold for Team USA, with Quinn scoring in overtime<\/a> in the quarterfinal win over Sweden while Jack came in clutch<\/a> in Sunday\u2019s overtime thriller against Canada.<\/p>\n

Matthews, on the other hand, got off to a shaky start during Team USA\u2019s gold medal-winning run but came through in the end, finishing with three goals and seven points across six games. A Stanley Cup still eludes the Leafs star, who holds Toronto\u2019s franchise record in all-time regular season goals, but it\u2019s clear Matthews has already earned the respect and admiration from his fellow compatriots.<\/p>\n

\u201cMan, it\u2019s so special. Just to feel this feeling, to play for your country, and to do it in this kind of fashion. I mean, I don\u2019t even know what to say. It\u2019s unbelievable, it\u2019s so special,\u201d Matthews said of winning Olympic gold in a postgame interview<\/a>. \u201c[We] had just a resilient group. Top to bottom, we\u2019re a team. It doesn\u2019t matter who gets it done, it\u2019s all about the team first.\u201d<\/p>\n

Matthews and the rest of Team USA were recently invited by President Donald Trump<\/a> to celebrate their gold medal victory at the White House this week, though it\u2019s unclear if they will attend. Following their Olympic break, the American NHLers are expected to return to the states on Tuesday as the league\u2019s regular season resumes, with Matthews perhaps looking to silence his critics once and for all.<\/p>\n

More Winter Olympics on Sports Illustrated