Key Highlights
- Jim Hughes supports his sons Jack and Quinn as they compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics.
- Team Switzerland’s Roman Josi and Team Canada’s Macklin Celebrini have also benefited from Jim’s summer skates at USA Hockey Arena.
- The U.S. men’s hockey team faces Slovakia in the semifinals on Friday, while the women’s team won a gold medal.
- Jim Hughes is the director of player development for CAA Hockey and runs summer skates to help players prepare for the season.
The Family Olympics Experience
Imagine sitting through the eyes of Jim Hughes, a husband, father, and mentor at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. His wife, Ellen, is a consultant for the U.S. women’s hockey team which just won gold against Canada on Thursday. Their sons Jack and Quinn play for the U.S. men’s hockey team facing Slovakia in the semifinals Friday.
Supporting Dreams
“We have the Olympic spirit,” Jim said, “it’s been a really enjoyable experience.” He sits with family and friends when his sons compete; at the semifinal against Sweden on Monday, he sat next to Stan Bowman, who is the GM of the Edmonton Oilers and part of the management group for Team USA. His wife Ellen supports the women’s team from their seats.
Behind-the-Scenes
Jim has a job too. He runs summer skates at USA Hockey Arena to help players prepare for the season. “I just have to blow the whistle,” he said, “it’s very simple.” The drills are there; the trick is that they push each other, make each other better, and challenge each other.
Core Group Dynamics
A core group of regulars includes Jack, Luke, Quinn, Dylan Larkin, Cole Caufield, Kyle Connor, Andrew Copp, Alex DeBrincat, Adam Fantilli, Connor Hellebuyck, Tyler Motte, Josh Norris, Alex Turcotte, Zach Werenski, and Trevor Zegras. Sometimes Matty Beniers stops in as well.
Famous Faces
Not only are Jack and Quinn part of the U.S. men’s team, but Connor, Hellebuyck, Larkin, and Werenski also play for Team USA. Quinn made a key assist on the first goal by center Dylan Larkin and scored the overtime winner Wednesday.
Mentoring Role
Jim Hughes deserves some credit. He runs summer skates where players like Roman Josi of Switzerland and Macklin Celebrini from Canada have visited, spending time with them at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan. “I know it’s a summer skate,” Werenski said, “but if people came and watched how intense they are and how competitive they are … We compete like we’re playing Game 7s.”