New Jersey’s recently elected Democrat Gov. Mikie Sherrill was left humiliated by hockey fans at the Prudential Center this week.
The governor received an icy response, and it wasn’t because of the New Jersey Devils’ opponent.
Sherrill appeared on the ice to participate in a ceremonial puck drop, welcoming Team USA star Jack Hughes back to Newark following his gold-medal performance against Canada.
However, when the public address announcer introduced her, the crowd responded with loud, sustained boos.
The jeers reportedly extended to her husband, Jason Hedberg, as fans packed the arena to celebrate hockey, not politics.
WATCH:
Hughes Celebrated as Crowd Chants “U-S-A!”
The game marked Hughes’ first NHL appearance since scoring the decisive goal in Sunday’s gold medal matchup.
Before puck drop, the Devils honored players who competed in the Olympics, including those representing other countries.
Still, the loudest applause was reserved for Hughes.
Chants of “U-S-A!” echoed throughout the arena as fans celebrated the American victory.
Hughes appeared emotional while addressing 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 celebration, Sherrill faced backlash online after posting photos from the event.
“You managed to somehow get booed loudly during the most festive thing at the Rock ever,” one user wrote on X.
Another asked, “Didn’t everyone boo you?”
Past Controversies Resurface
Sherrill has faced criticism from conservatives dating back to her 2025 campaign.
Reports resurfaced that she did not walk in her Naval Academy commencement ceremony.
Sherrill was excluded following disciplinary action tied to a cheating scandal involving midshipmen.
She has previously addressed the matter.
“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.
The lawsuit accuses the state of expanding sanctuary policies and obstructing federal immigration enforcement through a new executive order.
Fans Focused on Hockey
Despite the political undertones, the night ultimately belonged to Hughes and Team USA.
The crowd’s reaction made clear that fans were there to celebrate the athletes who brought home Olympic gold, not the elected officials sharing the ice.
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