NEWARK, NJ – A celebratory night at the Prudential Center honoring Team USA’s Olympic gold medal hockey victory took an unexpected turn when New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill was loudly booed by fans during her public appearance at the New Jersey Devils game against the Buffalo Sabres.
Key Points
- Governor Mikie Sherrill was booed during a ceremony honoring Team USA’s Olympic gold medal hockey team
- The event featured Devils star Jack Hughes, who scored the gold medal–winning goal against Canada
- The tribute also honored late New Jersey hockey legend Johnny Gaudreau, killed in a 2024 cycling crash
Celebration turns tense during on-ice ceremony
Governor Sherrill and her husband were introduced to the crowd during a pregame ceremony recognizing Team USA’s hockey triumph at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. As Sherrill stepped onto the ice to congratulate the athletes, a wave of boos echoed through the arena, briefly interrupting the presentation.
Despite the reaction, the ceremony continued as fans and players paid tribute to Jack Hughes, the 24-year-old Devils forward who scored the dramatic overtime goal that secured the gold medal for Team USA, ending a 46-year Olympic title drought.
Honoring Johnny Gaudreau’s legacy
The event also carried an emotional tone as the family of late New Jersey hockey star Johnny Gaudreau was in attendance. Gaudreau, a former NHL standout and Salem County native, died tragically in August 2024 alongside his brother Matthew after being struck by a driver while cycling on the eve of their sister’s wedding.
At the Olympics, Team USA honored Gaudreau’s legacy by displaying his number 13 jersey in the locker room and including his name in postgame celebrations after their victory. His widow, Meredith Gaudreau, has since expressed gratitude for the ongoing tributes and support shown to her family.
Governor addresses the moment on social media
Following the game, Governor Sherrill posted on X (formerly Twitter), 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.”
While the governor did not directly address the crowd’s reaction, political commentators online noted that the chorus of boos reflected growing public frustration over recent state policies and political controversies.
The Devils’ 2–1 win over Buffalo capped off a night that celebrated athletic triumph, honored a fallen hometown hero, and revealed the sharp divide in New Jersey’s political climate.
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