Jack Hughes
Jack Hughes scored USA’s dramatic Olympic winner, lost two teeth, and continues to attract attention over Tate McRae dating rumours. Instagram @jackhughes

Jack Hughes was recently in headlines for helping Team USA win a gold medal against Canada, losing his teeth in the process. To fans of Tate McRae, he is no stranger to the spotlight as people have posed the speculation that they are dating. Others are asking: Who exactly is Jack Hughes?

Jack Hughes was born on 14 May 2001 in Orlando, Florida, and grew up in Toronto, Ontario. He later moved to Michigan during his high school years while playing for the US National Team Development Program. He graduated from Plymouth-Canton Educational Park in Canton, Michigan.

Hughes comes from a family deeply connected to ice hockey. His father, Jim Hughes, is a former player and team captain at Providence College and later served as an assistant coach for the Boston Bruins and director of player development for the Toronto Maple Leafs. His mother, Ellen Weinberg-Hughes, played for the United States women's national ice hockey team and won silver at the 1992 World Championship.

His older brother Quinn was drafted seventh overall in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft by the Vancouver Canucks, while his younger brother Luke was drafted fourth overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. In their youth, the siblings watched Sidney Crosby's 'Golden Goal' at the 2010 Winter Olympics, a moment that shaped their Olympic ambitions.

NHL Career With The New Jersey Devils

Hughes was drafted first overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft and plays as a centre and serves as an alternate captain for the team. He has represented the United States men's national team in international competition.

At the 2026 Winter Olympics, Hughes began the tournament on the fourth line before earning a frontline role. He tied for the team lead with seven points, including three goals across the semi-final and gold-medal match. His performances earned the trust of head coach Mike Sullivan.

Sullivan said, 'Jack was at the centre of a lot of the good things that happened for our team'. He added, 'He's a high-stakes player and he brought his very best when the stakes were highest. Tonight was a perfect example of that.'

The Golden Goal Against Canada

In the gold-medal match against Canada, Hughes briefly feared he had cost his team the game after accidentally striking a Canadian player with his stick. He later said, 'I pictured myself on Barstool being the guy that America hates because Canada scores on the power play'. Canada did not capitalise, and the match went into overtime.

Earlier in the game, Hughes had taken a stick to the face, leaving his mouth bloody and two front teeth missing. Just over a minute into 3-on-3 overtime, he re-entered play and soon found himself defending against Connor McDavid, whom he described as 'the best player in the world — maybe ever.' American goaltender Connor Hellebuyck prevented a Canadian breakthrough, keeping the game alive.

Moments later, Hughes received a decisive pass from Zach Werenski after a turnover involving Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon. Hughes fired a shot past Canadian goaltender Jordan Binnington, sending the United States to a 2–1 overtime victory. Binnington later said, 'That's hockey. You've got to give him credit.'

Personal Life And Tate McRae Rumours

Hughes has not publicly confirmed a relationship with singer Tate McRae. The pair were first seen having dinner together in New York City in November 2025. McRae also attended a New Jersey Devils game in December 2025, and the two follow each other on social media.

Despite these public appearances, neither Hughes nor McRae has confirmed their relationship status. Away from the ice, Hughes is known as an avid reader and has promoted literacy through the Hughes Brothers Pucks & Pages programme with his brother Luke. He has also voiced support for Pride Night and the LGBTQ+ community through his role with the New Jersey Devils.

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