Governor Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey found herself in the midst of an unexpected reception at the Prudential Center on Wednesday night. As fans gathered to watch the New Jersey Devils hockey game, Sherrill was met with a chorus of boos from the crowd.

The occasion was meant to be a celebratory one, marking the return of NHL star and Team USA Olympic hero Jack Hughes. Hughes had recently captured the spotlight by scoring the decisive goal against Canada in the gold medal match, a moment that thrilled sports fans across the nation.

Sherrill attended the game to honor Hughes and other Olympic athletes as they returned to the U.S. ice. However, when she was introduced over the public address system for the ceremonial puck drop, the crowd in Newark made their disapproval known, booing both her and her husband, Jason Hedberg, with fervor.

Despite the frosty reception, Sherrill took to social media to share her excitement about the event. She posted photos featuring herself alongside Hughes and other Olympic players, celebrating their triumphant gold medal win. Yet, her post quickly became a target for critics who reminded her of the less-than-warm welcome she received.

“You managed to somehow get booed loudly during the most festive thing at the Rock ever,” commented one user on social media platform X, highlighting the unexpected nature of the reaction. Another chimed in, questioning, “Didn’t everyone boo you?”

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

Sherrill has been a target of criticism from patriotic Americans dating back to her 2025 campaign, when it was revealed she was kept from participating in her Naval Academy commencement due to disciplinary action involving midshipmen stealing test answers in a particularly challenging electrical engineering course required for all non-engineering majors.

Sherill downplayed her involvement, saying, “I didn’t turn in some of my classmates, so I didn’t walk but graduated and was commissioned as an officer in the US Navy, serving for nearly ten years with the highest level of distinction and honor.”

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

Still, Sherill’s presence didn’t stop anyone at the Prudential Center from celebrating Hughes and company on Wednesday.

Prior to the puck drop against the Buffalo Sabres, the Devils honored all of their Olympians from 2026, including those who represented foreign nations. No one received a warmer reception from the crowd than Hughes, as fans chanted “U-S-A!”

Hughes nearly broke down in tears 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 to the crowd. “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.”