WATCH: Democrat Governor Brutally Booed By Hockey Fans

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill got an icy reception Wednesday night at the Prudential Center — and it had nothing to do with the Devils’ opponent.

Sherrill was on hand to help welcome Team USA Olympic hero Jack Hughes back to Newark ice following his gold-medal-winning performance against Canada. But when the public address announcer introduced her for the ceremonial puck drop, the crowd responded with loud, sustained boos.

The jeers also extended to her husband, Jason Hedberg, as the arena filled with fans eager to celebrate hockey, not politics.

The game marked Hughes’ first NHL appearance since scoring the decisive goal in Sunday’s gold medal game. The Devils honored their Olympians before puck drop, including players who represented other nations. Still, the loudest cheers were reserved for Hughes, as chants of “U-S-A!” echoed through the building.

Hughes appeared emotional as he addressed the crowd.

“I’m so proud, and I’m so happy that the men’s and women’s USA hockey teams brought gold medals back to the United States of America,” Hughes said. “You guys are making me emotional, but I’m so proud to represent the New Jersey Devils organization. And I’m so, so proud to represent the great state of New Jersey – so proud.

“From the bottom of my heart, all of my teammates, USA teammates, we just want to thank you guys for all the love and support. We feel it.”

While Hughes soaked in the patriotic moment, Sherrill faced swift blowback online after posting photos from the ceremony.

“You managed to somehow get booed loudly during the most festive thing at the Rock ever,” one X user wrote.

Another user wrote, “Didn’t everyone boo you?”

Sherrill has drawn criticism from conservatives dating back to her 2025 campaign, when reports resurfaced that she did not participate in her Naval Academy commencement following disciplinary action tied to a cheating scandal involving midshipmen.

She has downplayed the episode.

“I didn’t turn in some of my classmates, so I didn’t walk but graduated and was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy, serving for nearly 10 years with the highest level of distinction and honor,” Sherrill said.

More recently, the Justice Department filed a lawsuit against New Jersey and Sherrill, accusing the state of expanding sanctuary policies and obstructing federal immigration enforcement through a new executive order.

None of that dampened the celebration for Hughes and Team USA. Fans made clear their focus was on the players who brought home gold, not the politicians sharing the ice.

Download the FREE Trending Politics App to get the latest news FIRST >>