Governor Mikie Sherrill Booed by Devils Fans During Jack Hughes' Heroic Return
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill was met with relentless booing from the crowd at the Prudential Center on Wednesday night, creating a stark contrast to the hero's welcome given to USA hockey star Jack Hughes. The event marked Hughes' return to the New Jersey Devils following his triumphant performance at the Winter Olympics, where he scored the game-winning goal to secure the US men's hockey team's first gold medal since 1980.
Olympic Glory and Political Tension Collide
Jack Hughes, aged 24, became a national hero after scoring in dramatic overtime fashion during the USA's thrilling 2-1 victory over bitter rival Canada at the Milan-Cortina Games. After celebrating in Miami and visiting the White House, Hughes reported back to the Devils as the NHL resumed play post-Olympics. The Devils honored him before their game against the Buffalo Sabres, with Governor Sherrill in attendance to celebrate his Olympic achievement.
Sherrill stepped onto the ice with her husband, Jason Hedberg, and Devils owners David and Allison Blitzer to present a state flag to Hughes. However, as the Democratic Governor was announced by the PA spokesperson for the ceremonial puck drop, the crowd inside the Prudential Center erupted in boos, drowning out any applause. The moment was captured on social media, where users mocked Sherrill and highlighted the crowd's reaction.
Social Media Mockery and Fan Reactions
Governor Sherrill shared photos of the occasion on X, writing, 'A piece of history was brought back to Jersey tonight. Congratulations to the men and women of @usahockey on bringing home gold – and @njdevils' own Jack Hughes for scoring the Golden Goal. Keep making Jersey proud.' In response, fans were quick to criticize her. One fan commented, 'We love Jack. However, thankfully you got booed which is the reception you deserved.' Another added, 'Sounded like most everyone there was Booing you... Might want to figure out the 'why.'' A third gloatingly asked, 'Didn't everyone boo you?'
Hughes' Emotional Address and Game Aftermath
During the ceremony, the Devils showed video of Hughes' overtime goal, and he emotionally addressed the Newark crowd. 'I'm so proud and so happy that the men's and women's hockey teams brought the gold medal back to America,' Hughes told the crowd. 'And I'm so proud to represent the New Jersey Devils organization and to represent the great state of New Jersey.' He later joked about losing teeth during the Olympic game, saying, 'I'd have to look in the mirror and add it up. I have a couple of half-teeth.' Earlier in the week, a local deli near the Prudential Center named a sandwich after Hughes, advertised as 'so tender, you don't need teeth.'
In the game against the Sabres, Hughes assisted on Timo Meier's goal but also had a turnover that led to a Buffalo goal, resulting in a 2-1 loss for the Devils. Coach Sheldon Keefe noted, 'Obviously, this was a tough one for Jack. It's been a whirlwind for him. He had a lot of short shifts early and Jack's not a short shift guy. If he's giving you short shifts, you know he's not quite feeling it early. All things considered, he gave us a lot.'
Political Contrasts and Presidential Honors
Hughes arrived in New Jersey late Tuesday night after being recognized with his US teammates by President Donald Trump at the State of the Union address. The USA hockey stars received a far warmer welcome inside the House chamber at the Capitol than Sherrill did at the Prudential Center. Republicans cheered and chanted 'USA!' several times, with many pumping fists. House Conference Chair Lisa McClain even shouted 'Love you!' to the players.
During the celebrations, Trump announced he would award goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who saved 41 of 42 shots in the overtime win, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Trump said, 'They beat a fantastic Canadian team in overtime, as everybody saw. As did the American women, who will soon be coming to the White House.' He added, 'I just want to tell you that the members of this great hockey squad will be very happy to hear, based on their vote and my vote and in this case my vote was more important, that I will soon be presenting Connor with our highest civilian honor which is the Presidential Medal of Freedom.'
The men's team spent Tuesday in Washington DC after being invited by Trump in a celebratory locker room phone call that has since divided America. Following a night of celebrating in Miami, they flew to Washington DC, met Trump in the Oval Office, and attended the State of the Union address. Of the 25-man Winter Olympics roster, 20 members were in Washington DC, with five choosing to skip the trip.
This event underscores the deep political divides in the US, as a moment meant to celebrate athletic achievement was overshadowed by partisan tensions, with Governor Sherrill's reception highlighting the cold shoulder some Democrats face from certain segments of the public.
