Devils’ Olympic Celebration Turns Political as Governor Faces Boos While Jack Hughes Receives Hero’s Welcome
New Jersey hockey’s celebration turned into a political flashpoint at the Prudential Center in Newark.
Fans honored New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes on Wednesday after his historic overtime goal gave Team USA a gold medal at the Winter Olympics. The fans cheered the youthful center, calling it a proud moment for the club and state.
The ceremonial puck drop with Mikie Sherrill changed the mood.
The Democratic governor, who defeated Republican Jack Ciattarelli in November, was booed by arenagoers. Hughes had received thunderous shouts moments earlier, but this reaction was different.
Hughes’ overtime goal against Canada earned Olympic gold for the US, prompting the ceremony. His accomplishment was celebrated in the arena. As the public address announcer introduced Sherrill and her husband, Jason Hedberg, some in the crowd grumbled.
Conservative commentators and social media personalities praised the booing supporters online. Some linked the response to Team USA’s post-Olympic scandal in Washington.
Players engaged in a locker room conversation and phone call with Trump and Patel after the men’s team’s overtime win. Trump joked that he might be impeached if he invited the U.S. women’s hockey team to the White House during the call. His comment was criticized by women’s team members.
US women’s hockey forward Hilary Knight called the comment “distasteful and unfortunate.” The women’s team won gold after beating Canada 2–1 in overtime.
According to conservative online voices, the boos directed at Sherrill were related to voter anger with government leaders’ response to the Olympic team’s White House visit. Others saw it as sports enthusiasts protesting political intervention in athletics.
Hughes dismissed the controversy after the Devils’ 2–1 loss to the Sabres. He stated the men’s and women’s teams respected each other and were happy to represent the country.
“It is what it is now,” Hughes remarked, adding that both teams respect each other and are proud of winning gold.
Governor Sherrill ignored the boos. After the game, she congratulated the men’s and women’s teams and Hughes for scoring the “Golden Goal” on social media. It was history brought back to New Jersey, she said.
The event shows how sports venues can be political spaces, especially during national pride. The evening commemorated an Olympic victory and showed how politics and professional sports connect.
Hockey and Hughes’ accomplishment dominated the night for many. Others saw it as a warning that championship celebrations can be political.
While New Jersey celebrates its Olympic star, the arena’s divided reaction shows how public personalities, whether sportsmen or government officials, often receive varied receptions in highly charged circumstances.
Sources
Official statements from the Office of the Governor of New Jersey
Public remarks from Team USA players following the Devils game
Game coverage and post-game interviews from the Prudential Center event
