Grit. Blood. Glory.
During the gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics, 24-year-old Jack Hughes took a brutal hit in the third period — an opponent’s stick knocking out several of his teeth.
He left his teeth on the ice.
Spit blood into a towel.

And went right back into battle.
In overtime, with everything on the line, he scored the game-winning goal — lifting Team USA to a 2–1 victory over the Canada men’s national ice hockey team.
The win marked America’s first men’s hockey gold since the legendary Miracle on Ice at the 1980 Winter Olympics.
Still bleeding during his postgame interview, Hughes said:
“It’s all about our country right now. I love the USA. I love my teammates — it’s unbelievable. The USA hockey brotherhood is so strong. I’m so proud to be American today.”

Alongside heroics from goalie Connor Hellebuyck   and the entire Olympic squad, this was more than a win — it was unity, resilience, and pride on ice.
In a divided time, proud athletes reminded us what it means to fight together.
Teeth or no teeth — a warrior.
A champion.
A patriot worth celebrating.