Jack Hughes isn't just riding the high of Olympic gold; he's living a moment straight out of a storybook. The New Jersey Devils' phenom catapulted himself into American sports lore last Sunday, delivering the overtime dagger that secured the men's hockey gold medal for Team USA against archrival Canada at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. Yet, in the whirlwind of victory, another captivating storyline has emerged, shifting the spotlight from the ice to his personal life.
Golden Goal, Gilded Moment
The image of Hughes celebrating that historic goal is now etched in Olympic memory. However, the post-victory narrative took an unexpected political turn when President Donald Trump, during an invitation to the White House, made controversial remarks about the U.S. women's team. Hughes, ever the leader, swiftly addressed the brewing online storm, emphasizing the profound unity between the men's and women's squads. "People are so negative about things," Hughes stated. "I think everyone in that locker room knows how much we support them, how proud we are of them. The same way we feel about them, they feel about us." He painted a picture of shared celebration, recounting a 3:30 a.m. cafeteria hangout with the women's team right after the win, a testament to their bond.
From Olympic Hero to Pop Star's Plus-One
With fame at a fever pitch, fans have naturally grown curious about the man behind the golden moment. It turns out Hughes's life off the ice is just as intriguing. Multiple sources confirm the young superstar is casually dating one of music's biggest rising stars: Tate McRae. The "Greedy" singer and the hockey ace have been quietly spending time together, connecting through a shared circle of friends.
"They have a lot of the same friends and started hanging out that way," a source revealed. "He has gone to her shows, and she likes supporting him at games too." The relationship is described as new, fun, and informal, with McRae reportedly "not looking for something super serious" at the moment. This low-key approach seems to suit Hughes perfectly as he navigates the pressures of being an NHL cornerstone and an Olympic champion.
McRae's NHL Connections
For McRae, 22, the world of hockey isn't entirely foreign territory. The Grammy-nominated artist, who has topped the Billboard 200 chart, actually performed at the 2024 NHL All-Star Game, giving her a front-row seat to the league's excitement long before she and Hughes began their romance. This existing familiarity with the sport's culture makes her appearances in the stands to cheer on Hughes all the more fitting.
As Hughes returns from his Olympic triumph to rejoin the Devils for the stretch run of the NHL season, all eyes will be on how he channels this golden momentum. Will his electric play on ice be matched by a budding romance capturing public fascination? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Jack Hughes's life is moving at breakneck speed, both on and off the rink. Fans can likely expect to see Tate McRae in the crowd at the Prudential Center soon, adding a new layer of star power to an already dazzling season for the young American hero.
