Go for the Gold

In the third period of an absolutely heart-pounding gold medal game in the 2026 Olympics, center Jack Hughes took a high stick to the face while battling against the boards for a loose puck. The impact took out parts of two front teeth and left him bloodied on the ground. What Hughes and the team didn't do next surprised me.

In a typical hockey game, something like that, especially to one of your best players, would result in a melee of fists flying, shirt-grabbing, and guys rumbling on the ice to the delight of the crowd. But this was no ordinary game, and the stakes were too high. Hughes simply collected himself, got up, and went back to business, not allowing a personal attack to cause him to react in such a way that would distract him or the team from their ultimate purpose. He hit back by scoring the winning goal in overtime, taking home Olympic gold for Team USA for the first time in 46 years.

"You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also." (Matthew 5:38-39)

He who throws the second punch starts the fight. And that is when the trouble begins.

Jesus teaches the power of not hitting back.

True strength is the ability to not stoop to the level of your attacker and rise above evil.  

The real victory is winning the long-term war, not every little battle.

Think about the interactions you have when someone comes at you with a comment, a jab, a negative post, or an attack of any kind. Reacting quickly with an equal or greater measure of vitriol only fuels an unnecessary fire. The shouting gets louder, words more damaging, and the issue bigger. Both people end up looking immature, and nothing gets solved. It's tempting to want to always lash back, but doing so, more often than not, lands you in the penalty box, and the mission or the team is compromised.

That doesn't mean we are to become punching bags or door mats, but to stand firm on matters of principle and integrity. And to do it in such a way that brings home the gold medal, not bruised knuckles or egos. If you don't react in the moment but show integrity and quiet strength, you buy time to respond properly. Don’t let someone else’s anxiety or emotion cause you to react in the moment. You choose the timing and the method.

A tooth for a tooth would have taken Jack Hughes off the ice, and who knows how the game would have ended. Go for the gold and turn the other cheek whenever possible. Don't waiver on matters of principle and protecting your family or team. Stand firm, but wisely. You aren't trying to please your ego or the crowd, but the only referee that matters. It is okay to get a few teeth knocked out along the way, so long as you keep the ultimate purpose of walking on the streets of gold in mind.