The Sheraton Milan Malpensa Airport Hotel may not be a glamorous spot, but it has become a bustling hub for American athletes during the early days of the Milano Cortina Winter Games. Upon arriving, many competitors made their way to the “Team USA Welcome Event,” held in a specially constructed atrium, where they were greeted by representatives from major sponsors like Ralph Lauren, Skims, New Era, and Starbucks. The atmosphere was vibrant, with athletes collecting team swag as they settled into the Olympic spirit. It even drew media attention, including coverage from Access Hollywood.
Among the notable attendees were hockey stars Jack and Quinn Hughes, who arrived after a long overnight flight from JFK. They stopped by Ralph Lauren’s booth to pick up their outfits for the closing ceremony—stylish, color-blocked parkas emblazoned with “2026.” Despite the exhaustion from travel, the brothers were in high spirits, with Quinn casually commenting on their jet lag.
Jack, 24, a forward for the New Jersey Devils, has distinguished himself in the NHL, setting a franchise record with 99 points in a single season (43 goals, 56 assists) during the 2022-2023 campaign. He has also earned three All-Star nods. His brother Quinn, 26, currently plays defense for the Minnesota Wild and previously led defensemen in points while with the Vancouver Canucks. He is also a two-time All-Star, drafted in 2018, while Jack followed in 2019.
The Hughes family is deeply rooted in hockey; their younger brother, Luke, also plays for the Devils. Their mother, Ellen Weinberg-Hughes, contributes as a consultant to the U.S. women’s hockey team competing at the Olympics, which recently achieved a remarkable 5-0 victory against Canada—the first time Canada’s women have been shut out in any Winter Games. Ellen herself was a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team, helping to secure a silver medal at the 1992 World Championships.
With the Olympic gold medal in sight, the Hughes brothers remain focused on their aspirations. “I think all three of us have come to try to win the gold medal. That’s the most important thing: coming here and trying to do well,” Jack emphasized. He also expressed how special it is to share this experience with Quinn, saying it’s something he has eagerly anticipated. The spirit of healthy competition and family solidarity shines brightly as the Hughes brothers strive for Olympic glory.