New Jersey’s influence on the global hockey stage took center ice Saturday as Team USA’s men’s and women’s squads delivered commanding performances at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, showcasing elite talent with deep connections to the Garden State and the greater Philadelphia region. With decisive victories, milestone performances and standout contributions from players tied to the New Jersey Devils organization, the day marked a defining moment for American hockey and reinforced the region’s growing impact on the sport’s international stage.
The U.S. Men’s National Team powered past Denmark with a convincing 6–3 victory, improving to a perfect 2–0 record in Group C and strengthening its position heading into the final round of preliminary play. The game highlighted both the speed and depth of the American roster, with one of New Jersey’s most recognizable hockey stars delivering a defining moment late in regulation.
New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes electrified the Olympic stage by scoring his first career Olympic goal in the closing minutes of the third period, sealing the win and adding another milestone to an already impressive international debut. The late-game strike capped a strong start to the tournament for Hughes, who had already made his presence felt earlier in the week with a two-assist performance in Team USA’s opening victory over Latvia. His combination of speed, vision and offensive creativity has quickly made him one of the team’s most dynamic playmakers, drawing attention from fans and analysts alike.
Adding to the Hughes family’s impact, defenseman Quinn Hughes delivered a commanding performance from the blue line, logging more than 23 minutes of ice time — the highest total among American players — while contributing an assist on the team’s opening goal. His leadership and defensive awareness provided stability throughout the contest, helping the United States maintain control against a determined Danish squad.
The American roster also reflects strong regional influence, featuring players with deep ties to New Jersey and nearby Pennsylvania. Veterans Vincent Trocheck and J.T. Miller, both widely recognized for their connections to the region’s hockey development programs, played key roles in sustaining the team’s momentum and physical presence. While the current U.S. men’s lineup does not include active Philadelphia Flyers players, the broader regional pipeline continues to shape the team’s identity and competitive edge.
With two victories secured, Team USA now sits atop the Group C standings with six points, placing them in prime position as they prepare for their next matchup against Germany. The contest, scheduled for February 15, will conclude preliminary round action and determine final positioning heading into the knockout stage.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Women’s National Team delivered an equally dominant performance, overwhelming host nation Italy in a decisive 6–0 victory in the quarterfinal round. The win propelled the top-seeded Americans into the semifinals and extended their remarkable defensive streak, underscoring their status as one of the tournament’s most formidable contenders.
Defenseman Megan Keller ignited the scoring effort early in the game and anchored a defensive unit that has now recorded four consecutive shutouts, demonstrating exceptional structure and discipline throughout the tournament. Her leadership from the back end has been instrumental in limiting opposing opportunities while supporting the team’s transition attack.
Forward Kendall Coyne Schofield provided the offensive spark that widened the gap, scoring twice during a dominant second period that effectively secured the outcome. Her speed and relentless energy overwhelmed Italy’s defense, exemplifying the aggressive style that has defined the American squad’s tournament run.
The women’s roster also highlights the strength of regional hockey development, with a significant number of players hailing from Pennsylvania, including several with roots in the Philadelphia area. Their presence reflects the sustained growth of youth hockey programs across the region and reinforces the role of local development systems in producing world-class talent.
International competition also featured contributions from professional players connected to New Jersey’s NHL landscape, particularly those associated with the Philadelphia Flyers and New Jersey Devils who are representing their respective countries on the global stage.
Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen competed for Team Finland, which delivered one of the day’s most dominant performances with an overwhelming 11–0 victory over Italy. The Finnish squad showcased its trademark discipline and structured play, asserting itself as a strong contender in the tournament.
Fellow Flyers defenseman Travis Sanheim represented Team Canada, helping secure a victory over Switzerland that clinched first place in Group A. Canada’s balanced attack and defensive consistency reinforced its reputation as a perennial Olympic powerhouse.
New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markström also contributed to international competition, backstopping Sweden to a win against Slovakia. Despite an earlier turnover in the tournament, Markström’s steady performance in net helped stabilize Sweden’s defense and maintain its competitive position.
Across all groups, the Olympic hockey standings reflect an intense battle for positioning as teams prepare to transition into elimination play. Group A features a clear leader with an undefeated record and six points, followed by tightly contested teams fighting for advancement. Group B remains highly competitive, with three teams tied at the top with identical records, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the tournament. In Group C, Team USA’s flawless start has placed it firmly in control, with Denmark, Germany and Latvia battling to remain in contention.
The strong showing by American teams and regionally connected players highlights the continued evolution of hockey throughout New Jersey and the surrounding metropolitan area. From youth development programs to professional organizations, the region’s influence continues to expand, shaping the future of the sport both nationally and internationally.
For fans across the Garden State, the Olympic performances serve as a powerful reminder of New Jersey’s growing presence within the global hockey community. The success of players like Jack Hughes and the broader regional representation on international rosters reflects years of investment in player development and community engagement.
As Olympic competition intensifies and the tournament moves toward its decisive stages, New Jersey’s hockey community remains closely connected to the action unfolding overseas. Readers seeking ongoing updates, player insights and coverage of the sport’s impact throughout the region can follow the latest developments through Explore New Jersey’s hockey coverage.
With momentum building for both the U.S. men’s and women’s teams, and with local talent continuing to shape the tournament’s narrative, the 2026 Winter Olympics have already become a defining moment for American hockey — and a source of pride for New Jersey’s passionate and ever-growing hockey community.
Current standings
Group A Standings
| Team | W-OTW-OTL-L | Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 2-0-0-0 | 6 | |
 | 1-0-0-1 | 3 | |
 | 1-0-0-1 | 3 | |
 | 0-0-0-2 | 0 |
Group B Standings
| Team | W-OTW-OTL-L | Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 2-0-0-1 | 6 | |
 | 2-0-0-1 | 6 | |
 | 2-0-0-1 | 6 | |
 | 0-0-0-3 | 0 |
Group C Standings
| Team | W-OTW-OTL-L | Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 2-0-0-0 | 6 | |
 | 1-0-0-1 | 3 | |
 | 1-0-0-1 | 3 | |
 | 0-0-0-2 | 0 |
Schedule
Note: All times Eastern.
Group B
Sweden 5, Slovakia 3
Finland 11, Italy 0
Group C
Latvia 4, Germany 3
USA 6, Denmark 3
