Sidney Crosby splits with Jack Hughes on rightful owner of historic pucks from Winter Olympics

Rob Joesbury, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Mar 19, 2026

Published in Olympics

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PITTSBURGH — Sidney Crosby and Jack Hughes see the question of who can claim a piece of history differently.

Hughes thinks the puck he used to score the goal that gave the United States gold at the Winter Olympics should belong to him. Crosby, who netted the golden goal for Canada at the 2010 Games, believes his historic puck, well, isn’t his.

It’s the world’s.

“I didn’t even think about it that way, to be honest with you,” Crosby told The Athletic on Wednesday. “I was just happy that I scored the goal. I was happy that the puck was going to the Hall of Fame. I didn’t even think about it that way.”

Since 1998, the International Ice Hockey Federation has provided the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto with historic pieces and artifacts from the Winter Olympics to preserve and display.

But Hughes told ESPN that he wants the puck from his goal to give to his father.

"I wouldn't even want it for myself. I'd want it for my dad. I know he'd just love, love having it," Hughes said Tuesday.

A day later, the Hall of Fame felt compelled to issue a statement to the Associated Press explaining why it has possession of the puck:

“These artifacts are preserved, exhibited and shared with fans worldwide through our museum and international outreach programs, ensuring that defining Olympic and World Championship moments remain protected and accessible to the global hockey community.

“We hold tremendous respect for the men and women who create these unforgettable moments on the ice, and we remain committed to preserving their achievements in a manner that is responsible, secure and accessible to fans everywhere.”

Separately on Wednesday, the Hall of Fame’s curator was less diplomatic when addressing the dispute.

“Unfortunately, in the easiest words, it was never Jack’s puck to own,” Philip Pritchard told ESPN. “It’s been donated to us now. For every artifact that’s been donated, we have a paper trail and signed paperwork of where it’s come from.”

Hughes has not responded publicly.

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