A $50,000 Hockey Puck Is Latest US-Canada Olympic Flashpoint

Jack HughesPhotographer: Elsa/Getty Images

Provide news feedback or report an error

Confidential tip?

Send a tip to our reporters

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

By Ari Altstedter

March 18, 2026 at 9:01 PM UTC

Updated on

March 19, 2026 at 2:21 PM UTC

Jack Hughes believed he earned the right to keep the puck.

Not just any puck, but the one the American hockey star rocketed into the net for a “golden goal” at the Winter Olympics final. The dramatic finish against Canada brought the US its first gold medal in the event in 46 years.