Jack Hughes (the goalie) steals the show in Devils’ schedule release video
New Jersey Devils Surprise Fans by Spotlighting High School Goalie Jack Hughes in Creative 2026-27 Schedule Reveal
The New Jersey Devils took a creative approach to announcing their 2026-27 NHL schedule, giving fans an unexpected twist that quickly became the highlight of the team’s schedule release. Instead of focusing on one of the organization’s biggest stars, the Devils built the video around a different Jack Hughes, a promising high school hockey goalie from New Jersey.
The schedule release begins with members of the Devils’ front office reacting with excitement and a bit of panic after learning that “Jack Hughes” has arrived earlier than expected to deliver the team’s schedule. The scene naturally leads viewers to believe the video is referring to the well-known Devils forward and Olympic gold medal winner Jack Hughes.
As the story unfolds, however, the surprise is revealed. The person walking into the office is not the NHL star but Jack Hughes, the young goalie from Verona-Glen Ridge High School. The unexpected reveal gives the video a memorable ending as the freshman netminder confidently places a folder containing the schedule on the counter before smiling at the camera.
The lighthearted concept allowed the Devils to celebrate hockey talent within their local community while giving one young athlete a unique opportunity to be part of the franchise’s official schedule announcement. The clever play on the shared name added humor to the production and created an entertaining moment for fans following the team’s offseason activities.
For the young Jack Hughes, the appearance marked a special milestone. During an interview with the Devils, he expressed his excitement about being included in the project and described it as an unforgettable experience. He said he has admired the organization for years, especially its goaltenders, while also looking up to Devils star Jack Hughes throughout his hockey journey. Being invited to participate in the team’s official schedule release was a moment he described as incredibly meaningful.
The connection between the two players goes beyond sharing the same name. The young goalie also wears jersey No. 86, the same number worn by the Devils’ Jack Hughes. He adopted the number after the NHL star was selected first overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, showing how much of an influence the Devils forward has had on his own hockey career.
On the ice, the Verona-Glen Ridge goaltender has already shown encouraging signs early in his development. During the 2025-26 high school season, he appeared in 13 games as a freshman. He recorded one shutout while finishing the season with a .909 save percentage after facing 342 shots. Those performances have helped establish him as a young player with promising potential for the future.
The Devils’ schedule release accomplished more than simply announcing dates for the upcoming season. It also highlighted the connection between the NHL club and the next generation of local hockey players. By featuring a young athlete who shares both the name and jersey number of one of the franchise’s biggest stars, the organization delivered a memorable moment that celebrated community, inspiration, and the excitement surrounding hockey in New Jersey.
The creative video has given the young Jack Hughes a moment to remember while introducing fans to an emerging high school goalie whose passion for the game has been shaped by the team he has supported for years. It also demonstrated how a simple idea can turn a routine schedule announcement into one of the offseason’s most talked-about moments.
Sources
- NJ.com – Jack Hughes (the goalie) steals the show in Devils’ schedule release video
- New Jersey Devils (Official Team Interview and Schedule Release Video)
