On Tuesday, August 19, USA Hockey announced its 44-player roster for the U.S. Men’s Olympic Orientation Camp, and three Devils were among the names on the list: Jack Hughes, Luke Hughes, and Brett Pesce.
This off-ice orientation camp, set for August 26–27 at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan, is the first step in building the American roster that will chase gold in Italy two years from now. While the final roster won’t be determined until closer to the Games, the camp is designed to bring together some of the top American talent in the NHL for team-building activities, strategic sessions, and the chance to establish early chemistry.
Who’s Representing the Devils?
Jack Hughes – Forward
Jack Hughes, the Devils’ franchise cornerstone, continues to shine as one of the premier young stars in the NHL. Entering the prime of his career, Hughes has already established himself as a game-breaking forward with elite playmaking ability, vision, and skating. For USA Hockey, his inclusion is a no-brainer, as he is expected to play a major role in the Americans’ offensive attack at the 2026 Games.
Luke Hughes – Defenseman
Joining his brother is Luke Hughes, the Devils’ rising defensive star. Known for his smooth skating, creativity on the back end, and offensive upside, Luke has quickly become a key part of New Jersey’s blue line. The orientation camp marks an exciting opportunity for the Hughes brothers to take the ice for Team USA together, potentially making history as one of the few sibling duos to represent the nation on hockey’s biggest international stage.
Brett Pesce – Defenseman
The newest Devil, Brett Pesce, also earned an invitation. Pesce brings a different dimension to the mix: a shutdown, stay-at-home defenseman who excels in his own zone. With years of NHL experience anchoring blue lines, his steady presence and defensive awareness will be a valuable asset for Team USA as they look to balance their lineup with both offensive flash and defensive reliability.
What’s the Goal of the Orientation Camp?
Unlike traditional training camps, the U.S. Men’s Olympic Orientation Camp is not about on-ice drills or scrimmages. Instead, it’s a two-day event focused on off-ice team-building activities, meetings, and preparations to ensure the group is aligned before the world’s best players meet in Milan and Cortina in 2026.
It’s also a chance for USA Hockey’s management and coaching staff to evaluate personalities, leadership qualities, and potential line combinations long before the final roster is submitted. While not every player at the camp is guaranteed a spot on the Olympic roster, earning an invite is a strong indication of how highly they are regarded among America’s hockey elite.
A Historic Opportunity for the Hughes Brothers
One of the most exciting storylines for Devils fans is the possibility of Jack and Luke Hughes suiting up together on Team USA for the first time in Olympic competition. Both are already cornerstones in New Jersey, and seeing them wear the red, white, and blue on the world stage would be a milestone not only for the Hughes family but also for American hockey.
Should both make the final roster, the Hughes brothers could become one of the defining faces of Team USA in 2026, showcasing their chemistry and skill in front of a global audience.
Devils Pride on the Global Stage
The inclusion of three New Jersey Devils at the orientation camp is another sign of the team’s growing influence in the NHL and on the international stage. Jack Hughes represents the franchise’s superstar future, Luke Hughes brings youthful energy and next-generation talent, and Brett Pesce adds a stabilizing veteran presence. Together, they’ll look to carve out their roles on a U.S. squad aiming to capture Olympic gold for the first time since the “Miracle on Ice” in 1980.
As Devils fans, it’s another reason to circle 2026 on the calendar. Not only will the NHL season be in full swing, but the Winter Olympics could become a showcase of Devils talent on one of the biggest stages in sports.
