Jack Hughes had a busy Saturday. Just hours before he hit the stage for “Saturday Night Live,” he was playing a game in St. Louis with his team, the New Jersey Devils. After the final buzzer, which rang at 7:33 p.m. ET, Jack had to hustle to make it to New York City for the show, which airs at 11:30 p.m. ET.
He had a police escort take him to a small airport where a private plane was waiting. Once in New York, they switched to a helicopter, zipping into Manhattan. “They went beast mode for me,” Jack said, grateful for the swift arrangements.
When he arrived at Studio 8H in Rockefeller Center, Jack was not alone. He and his brother Quinn joined Olympic gold medalists Hilary Knight and Megan Keller on stage during the opening monologue. All four wore Team USA jerseys adorned with their medals. Jack described the atmosphere as electric: “The buzz there is unbelievable.”
This appearance was special. The brothers were the first NHL players on the show since Brett Hull in 2004, making their debut quite a nostalgic moment for fans. Wayne Gretzky had also hosted back in 1989, adding a rich hockey history to the show.
While Jack rushed in from St. Louis, Quinn got to relax and soak in the pre-show excitement. “Seeing how they operate behind the scenes was pretty cool,” he said. He felt the usual pre-game nerves but noted it was different from those felt during hockey games. “We were just happy to be part of it,” he added.
Jack, however, felt the pressure hit him right before he stepped on stage. “I got crazy nervous,” he admitted, but once he started, the nerves faded away. The segment went smoothly, showing that both brothers could shine under pressure.
This experience highlighted a growing trend where athletes step into entertainment roles, showcasing their personalities beyond sports. A recent survey found that 65% of sports fans enjoy seeing their favorite athletes in non-sporting arenas, suggesting a shift in how fans connect with players. It’s a reminder that athletes like the Hughes brothers can entertain just as well as they perform on the ice.
After their big night, the Hughes brothers returned to their hockey routines, but not before making unforgettable memories on one of TV’s most popular stages.
