New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill received a mixed reaction Wednesday night at the Prudential Center during a pregame ceremony honoring Olympic gold medalist Jack Hughes. Sherrill took part in a ceremonial puck drop as Hughes returned to the ice following his performance with Team USA.
When she was introduced over the arena’s public address system, portions of the crowd responded with boos. The reaction also extended to her husband, Jason Hedberg, who accompanied her on the ice. The evening, however, was primarily focused on celebrating Hughes and other players who represented their countries at the Olympics.
The game marked Hughes’ first appearance back with the New Jersey Devils after helping Team USA secure a gold medal. Fans cheered loudly for the players, and chants of “U-S-A!” echoed throughout the arena. Hughes thanked supporters during remarks to the crowd, expressing pride in representing both his NHL team and the state of New Jersey.
Following the event, Sherrill shared photos from the ceremony on social media, where reactions were mixed. Some users criticized her presence, while others defended the governor. The moment reflected the broader intersection of sports and politics, particularly when elected officials participate in high-profile public events.
Sherrill has faced political scrutiny in recent years, including debate over aspects of her early career and policy positions as governor. More recently, the United States Department of Justice filed a lawsuit challenging certain New Jersey immigration policies. Despite the political backdrop, the night’s celebration remained centered on Hughes and Team USA’s Olympic achievement.