Brothers Jack and Quinn Hughes each recorded two assists as Team USA secured a 5-1 victory over Latvia in their debut at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. The win took place Thursday at Santagiulia Arena in Milan, with Zach Werenski contributing an assist on the opening goal. The Americans next face Denmark on Saturday.
The United States men's hockey team began its Olympic campaign with a convincing 5-1 win against Latvia on Thursday at Santagiulia Arena in Milan, during the preliminary round of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
Jack Hughes and Quinn Hughes made their Olympic debuts together for Team USA, each tallying two assists in the victory. Jack, a center for the New Jersey Devils, played right wing on the fourth line alongside J.T. Miller and Brock Nelson, logging 11:14 of ice time—below his NHL average of 20:57 but still impactful. "The best part for me is being here with Quinn," Jack said. "We’re lucky that we get to share our first Olympics with our mom, too. Who gets to say that? It’s pretty special."
Quinn, who won the Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenseman in 2023-24, led U.S. skaters with 21:29 of ice time, below his season average of 27:52. Acquired by the Minnesota Wild from the Vancouver Canucks on December 12, he has 34 points (3 goals, 31 assists) in 26 games since the trade. U.S. general manager Bill Guerin, also GM of the Wild, praised Quinn: "I think he’s going to give us a big boost. I have seen it firsthand what he can do for a team."
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski earned an assist on Brady Tkachuk's opening goal at 5:29 of the first period, finishing with 17:15 of ice time, three shots on goal, a plus-1 rating, and a drawn penalty. Playing on his off-hand right side with Jake Sanderson, Werenski noted the familiarity with coach Mike Sullivan's systems from the 4 Nations Face-Off: "There’s a lot less thinking out there. It’s just playing hockey."
The game was tied 1-1 early, but Team USA dominated the second period with a 17-2 shot advantage, scoring twice in the final three minutes to lead 4-1. Sullivan highlighted Quinn's defensive mobility and offensive dynamism, calling him a "game changer on the blue line." Forward Matthew Tkachuk added that Jack's willingness to play any role strengthens the team as they pursue their first Olympic gold since 1980.
Team USA, coming off a gold at the 2024 IIHF World Championship and a strong showing at the 4 Nations Face-Off, continues group play against Denmark on Saturday (3:10 p.m. ET) and Germany on Sunday.
