The world of hockey is rich with family legacies, showcasing a remarkable number of sibling connections and multi-generational players. This theme continues as we look toward the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, where the Hughes family will have a prominent presence. Quinn and Jack Hughes will represent Team USA on the men’s hockey side, with their mother, Ellen Weinberg-Hughes, stepping in as a consultant for the women’s team.
Their father, Jim Hughes, boasts his own hockey background, having played in both the International Hockey League and the American Hockey League, in addition to coaching. However, the spotlight shines particularly bright on Ellen, who holds a silver medal from the 1992 IIHF Women’s World Championship and earned All-Star recognition during that tournament with four assists.
In terms of current NHL careers, Quinn and Jack Hughes significantly impact their respective teams. Quinn has emerged as a leading defenseman for the Minnesota Wild after being traded from the Vancouver Canucks, setting a record for the most three-point games in a season by a Wild defenseman with five, all in just 26 games. On the other hand, Jack, who plays for the New Jersey Devils, continues to establish himself as a key player on his team, having scored a franchise-record 99 points in the 2022-23 season.
With both brothers expected to play pivotal roles on the ice, their mother’s involvement is equally significant for the women’s team. Weinberg-Hughes’ expertise as a player development consultant is seen as a vital asset in Team USA’s pursuit of gold, working closely with head coach John Wroblewski, a relationship built on mutual respect and shared history, having coached all three Hughes brothers growing up.
The Hughes family tree is steeped in athletic achievement. Jim Hughes enjoyed a successful college career at Providence, later transitioning to playing in the minors and coaching at various levels, including a stint as an assistant in the NHL. Ellen, a three-sport star during her college years, remembers the early days of training her sons in skating: “We didn’t know what sport it would be, but I guess we thought our kids would be in athletics.” Their commitment to nurturing their children’s sports talent clearly paid off, culminating in the brothers’ impressive hockey careers.
As star players, Quinn, Jack, and their younger brother Luke hope to make waves in the NHL and now on the international stage in Italy. Furthermore, Luke, who is currently navigating his way through a challenging season while on long-term injury reserve, rounds out the talented trio, providing their family with a unique bond and shared passion for the game.
As the Olympics approach, the Hughes family represents a dynamic blend of talent, dedication, and hockey heritage, making them an exciting story to follow during the tournament.