Despite her Canadian roots, pop sensation Tate McRae will likely be rooting for Team USA in the men’s hockey division at the Winter Olympics.
The 22-year-old pop star from Calgary, Canada, is reportedly dating Jack Hughes, a prominent U.S. men’s hockey player. Hughes, 24, is a star for the New Jersey Devils and plays on the top line for the American squad, currently facing Sweden in the men’s hockey medal round quarterfinals.
Hughes, a Florida native, was the first overall selection by the Devils in the 2019 NHL entry draft. He has been romantically linked with McRae for several months. Hughes and McRae have been spotted on multiple dates across New York City and New Jersey.
TORONTO, ONTARIO – FEBRUARY 03: Tate McRae of Team MacKinnon looks on from the bench area during player introductions before the 2024 Honda NHL All-Star Game at Scotiabank Arena on February 03, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/NHLI via Getty Images)Andre Ringuette/Getty Images
(Andre Ringuette/Getty Images)
While McRae and Hughes have not released official statements confirming their relationship, their numerous public sightings speak volumes.
McRae, who boasts nearly 10 million followers on Instagram, shared her enthusiasm for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics, set to take place in Italy.
Controversy Surrounds McRae Ahead of 2026 Games
Tate McRae stirred up some debate prior to the 2026 Winter Olympics after participating in an NBC promotional campaign for the United States.
In the NBC advertisement, she remarked, “I’m trying to get to Milan for an amazing opening ceremony and meet Team USA. Gonna spend the week with some of America’s best skating for gold and Lindsey Vonn’s epic comeback. And back to the states for the big game, Super Bowl LX.”
However, because McRae hails from Canada, some individuals expressed their disapproval. She later clarified her steadfast allegiance to Canada for the 2026 Winter Games in Italy.
“y’all know I’m Canada down,” she wrote in a social media response to the backlash.
Meanwhile, Hughes and the U.S. team could potentially clash with the Canadian squad, spearheaded by hockey icons Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby, in the gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics this weekend.
On Wednesday, Canada secured a 4-3 overtime victory against Czechia in their quarterfinal matchup. The U.S. and Sweden, also playing on Wednesday, are currently tied 0-0 after the first period.
The highly anticipated game between the United States and Sweden is being broadcast live on NBC. The winning team will advance to the semifinals, scheduled to take place later this week.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Feb 18, 2026, where it first appeared in the Olympics section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.