U.S. vs. Soviet Union match, Winter Olympics 1980. — Photo courtesy of Henry Zbyszynski

Hughes is a famous name in Hockey. Jack Hughes, a member of the United States team, scored the game-winning goal in overtime against Canada in the 2026 Winter Olympics for the U.S. to win Gold.

Though not related to the current Gold Medal winner, there are other locally famous Hugheses in hockey. The last player cut from the 1980 U.S. team was Jack Hughes. Jack grew up on Lowell St. in Somerville and, by all accounts, was robbed of an opportunity to be on the Miracle on Ice 1980 Men’s Olympic Gold Medal champion team.

George Hughes, his brother, was instrumental in helping and developing the hockey skills of Gold Medal-winning Hillary Knight of the winning U.S. Women’s Hockey team.

Jack and George Hughes had stellar hockey careers. They both played on Malden Catholic’s state championship in high school, and both went on to play hockey for Harvard College. Two Somerville players who are part of Olympic hockey history.