The texts, calls and emails started shortly after Jack Hughes’ golden goal — and his amazingly authentic post-game interview.
“You’ve got that; I’ll take this — let’s make sure we keep talking,” they said in some form or another. A spreadsheet to track the requests was quickly created.
Outlasting Canada in overtime during the gold-medal game is one thing; handling the media frenzy that has followed shortly thereafter has been quite another.
Team Hughes — his parents, his agent and the Devils — have been up to the task.
While Jack Hughes and his teammates celebrated in Miami Monday (where they were diverted because of the blizzard), visited the White House and were saluted during the State of the Union on Tuesday, Team Hughes worked behind him to balance Jack’s media opportunities with his professional obligations.
Both will be in play today.
Hughes is expected to return to New Jersey early this morning, will potentially hold a media conference for the local press at some time during the day, then play for the Devils against the Buffalo Sabres at night.
Don’t have tickets? It’s too late now — or, at least, too late to get tickets at face value. The thousands that were available before the gold-medal game were snapped up in the 72 hours that followed it.
Those lucky enough to be there tonight (and that includes Gov. Mikie Sherrill) will see the Devils honor Hughes before the game. And, completely by happenstance, the first 9,000 fans will get a ‘Jack in the Box’ keepsake — a preplanned part of the team’s annual ‘Down the Shore’ night.
And then ….
That’s when the real challenge comes in.
Hughes has been requested for spots on the morning and the late-night shows. (He and his brother Quinn already have appeared on Good Morning America.) The AM opportunities appearances can be zoomed in; the late-night shows need you in person.
Which leads to the ultimate offer.
Saturday Night Live has reached out. A cool opportunity for sure, and one close by … except for this Saturday. The Devils play an afternoon game in St. Louis on that day.
Don’t count on making the miles work — but don’t bet against it. For one good reason.
The face of RWJBH
RWJBarnabas Health was thrilled when Jack Hughes agreed to be a spokesman for their ‘Get Checked’ PSA campaign. They just didn’t know they had struck gold.
The system’s marketing team is jumping at the chance to incorporate Hughes’ golden moment into their ad campaign. Expect new images to begin appearing by the end of the week.
The hard-working members of the Devils’ public relations and communications staff say they are thrilled to have a chance to try to make the impossible possible. Just as they were thrilled to see Hughes earn his spot in the national spotlight on Sunday.
They know it has not been an easy road for the former No. 1 overall pick.
Billed as a playmaker with Gretzky-like skills, Hughes’ time in New Jersey has been filled with ups and downs. Injury-plagued seasons have wrapped around record-breaking ones. Some questioned his toughness. Others questioned if he was returning from his latest injury just to play in the Olympics, overlooking the fact he returned early in an effort to help the Devils somehow make a playoff push.
He’s been a misunderstood star.
Look no further than many of his previous media engagements. He hasn’t always looked comfortable. Some say he doesn’t like the spotlight. Others say his occasional candor — rather than cliches — can be misinterpreted.
The team has worked with him to improve his messaging.
That’s what made Sunday’s post-game interview so golden. It was pure emotion. Perfect patriotism.
“This is all about our country right now,” he said just moments after his greatest personal achievement. “I love the USA. I love my teammates. It’s unbelievable. The USA Hockey brotherhood is so strong. We have so much support. I’m so proud to be an American today.”
That interview is another reason he has become a media magnet. Why he’s wanted for appearances before and after the team’s upcoming games in Pittsburgh (Thursday) and in St. Louis.
How will he handle it all? That will be up to Team Hughes.
How long will it last? That isn’t as clear.
The media spotlight can be fleeting. But consider this: During the gold-medal game broadcast, NBC was thrilled to bring out Mike Eruzione … the most recognizable face of the 1980 Miracle on Ice team.
