Jack Hughes scored the winning goal for Team USA to secure the men's hockey gold medal on Sunday. But the day wasn't all smooth sailing for the 24-year-old star of the National Hockey League's New Jersey Devils.
Playing against Canada in what would eventually be a 2-1 win for the U.S., Hughes took a stick to the face in the third period. The result would be at least three teeth lost and a smile that was jagged when Hughes posed for photos with his gold medal after the game.
"My first thought was, 'Draw the penalty," Hughes told reporters in Milan. "Actually, my first thought (was), I looked on the ice and saw my teeth."
You can see some of the photos and aftermath of the hit in the video below.
Dr. Jason Auerbach -- also known as the @bloodytoothguy on Instagram and the founder of Riverside Oral Surgery, the official oral surgery group of the New Jersey Devils -- saw the hit and knew immediately some of the issues that Hughes will face once he finishes celebrating the victory in Italy.
"Jack went through a traumatic injury to his front teeth today amid his win," Dr. Auerbach said on Sunday. "He will need an evaluation and closure of any soft-tissue injuries that likely occurred. Once he is stabilized, he will need imaging to determine the extent of dental and bony injuries. He will probably require removal of some teeth in full and bone grafting versus endodontic treatment."
Auerbach said he and his team are ready to assist when Hughes returns to the U.S.
"My practice Riverside Oral Surgery is proud to be the official oral surgeons of the New Jersey Devils and to call him a local hero. In that capacity, we are proud of Hughes and all of Team USA's hockey win today."
