US Hockey Olympians Throw First Pitches at Yankee Stadium

Jack Hughes and Aerin Frankel, heroes of the United States' gold medal-winning hockey teams at the 2026 Winter Olympics, threw ceremonial first pitches at Yankee Stadium on Friday, April 3, before the New York Yankees' home opener against the Miami Marlins.

The 24-year-old Hughes, a star forward for the New Jersey Devils, and 26-year-old Frankel, a goaltender for the Professional Women's Hockey League's Boston Fleet, delivered accurate throws from the base of the mound, reaching their targets behind home plate. Their appearance marked a continuation of the widespread celebrations following the Olympics in Milan Cortina, Italy, where both players helped secure historic victories. It was the first time the U.S. achieved double gold in Olympic hockey, with the men's and women's teams each defeating Canada in the finals. The U.S. sled hockey team later completed a clean sweep with gold at the Paralympics.

Hughes drew particular attention for his newly repaired smile, a change from the chipped and missing front teeth he sported after taking a stick to the mouth from Canada's Sam Bennett in the third period of the men's gold medal game. Despite the injury, Hughes scored the...