Sport

Team USA hockey player Jack Hughes proves he’s LGBTQ+ ally in unearthed clip

Feb 23
Written by Chantelle Billson

Jack Hughes of United States celebrates the victory during the Ice Hockey Men’s Gold Medal Game match between Canada and USA. (Andrea Branca/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

An unearthed clip has proved that Team USA hockey player Jack Hughes is an LGBTQ+ ally.

On Sunday (22 February), Hughes delivered the goal that brought Team USA victory, ending a 46-year gold medal drought for the men in the sport. Hughes netted the overtime winner, giving the US a 2-1 victory over Canada on day 16 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.

Now, a 2024 interview is going viral online, showing that Hughes, who is rumoured to be dating pop star Tate McRae, is an LGBTQ+ ally.

‘Everyone on our team was really welcoming’

In the interview, the 24-year-old explained why it was important for him to embrace his team’s annual Pride Night despite multiple National Hockey League (NHL) players refusing to do so.

“The team I play for, the [New Jersey] Devils, we really support that, and we’re a really welcoming organisation, so I think a bunch of guys on our team were really looking forward to that.”

He went on to share that his own family have shaped his love for the LGBTQ+ community.

“With how we grew up, our family really supports that too. I can’t speak for other teams, but I know in New Jersey that was a night that everyone on our team was really welcoming, and they know it’s really important, so it wasn’t even a thought not to do it for us.”

Earlier this month an LGBTQ+ group’s fundraiser surpassed its goal after it condemned a Fife ice hockey team for scrapping plans to wear rainbow jerseys for a Pride match at the last minute.

Scottish ice hockey team Fife Flyers issued a statement in response to backlash, saying that their decision to switch their uniforms before the game was to respect the “diversity of background and personal beliefs” on the team.