Jack Hughes spills beans on why U.S. men’s hockey team felt extra pressure after women's team won Winter Olympics gold

American hockey star Jack Hughes said the United States men’s national ice hockey team felt a strong sense of responsibility after watching the United States women’s national ice hockey team win the gold medal.

According to Hughes, the women’s victory created positive pressure on the men’s squad to also deliver a championship performance. The two teams eventually made history by winning Olympic gold in the same year, something that had never happened before in American hockey.Hughes shared his thoughts during a fan event organized by Raising Cane’s. He was joined by Team USA women’s star Caroline Harvey. Hughes explained to TMZ that he and his brother, Quinn Hughes, were present in the arena during the women’s gold medal game.

Watching the intense match from the stands made them feel nervous, but the win also gave the men’s team extra motivation to succeed.

Jack Hughes says women’s gold inspired men’s Milano Cortina Winter Olympics victory

Jack Hughes said he and his brother were inside the arena during the women’s final. They watched the entire game and felt nervous throughout the match. According to him, even though the U.S. team had beaten Canada many times before, big games can still bring unexpected results.He explained that sports can sometimes be unpredictable. Even when a team is stronger, it can still lose an important match.

Because of that, he and his brother were extremely anxious during the final. They strongly believed the American women’s team was better and hoped the players would finish the job successfully.After the women secured the gold medal, Hughes said the men’s team immediately realized they had to match that achievement. The victory gave them a clear mission and extra motivation. The men eventually succeeded by winning their own gold medal, ending a 46-year Olympic title drought for the program.Hughes described the Olympic experience as unforgettable. He said the entire tournament was filled with fun moments and strong team spirit among the players. Spending time with teammates and enjoying the unique atmosphere of the Olympics made it one of the best experiences of his career.However, soon after the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics success, Hughes reunited with the New Jersey Devils squad in the National Hockey League.