Jack is a star for the New Jersey Devils. Since the start of the 2021-22 season, the center has averaged 1.17 points per game, 12th in the NHL and third among U.S.-born players (not counting players who appeared in four or fewer games).
He is not a fourth-line player, ordinarily. But against Latvia, he played right wing on the fourth line with left wing J.T. Miller and center Brock Nelson. He had 11:14 of ice time, third-lowest among U.S. skaters and well below his NHL season average of 20:57, and he still made an impact.
“I think the thing that we’ve been talking about is just buying in and whatever it takes,” Jack said. “I’m just so pumped to be here and be at the Olympics and playing for the U.S., so if it’s fourth line, whatever it may be, I’m ready to play that role, and when they tap my shoulder, I’m going to be ready to go.”
Sullivan lauded his attitude.
“I think he gets it,” Sullivan said. “He’s amongst the very best, and that in and of itself is an incredible honor. To be in the conversation to make this roster is extremely difficult when you look at the amount of talent that the United States has developed and can play at this level.”
Just being here is a dream come true. But, of course, Team USA is trying to win an Olympic gold medal in men’s hockey for the first time since 1980 and a best-on-best tournament for the first time since the World Cup of Hockey in 1996. Jack’s contribution doesn’t go unnoticed.
“It’s probably different than what he’s playing in New Jersey, but then again, it’s sacrifice,” U.S. forward Matthew Tkachuk said. “It’s commitment. That’s how we’re going to win, and a guy like that doing that just makes our team so much better. We’re so lucky to have him, and he’s embraced it.”
