Apr 14, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins center Morgan Geekie (39) controls the puck against New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (86) during the third period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
Apr 14, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins center Morgan Geekie (39) controls the puck against New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (86) during the third period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
Hockey had a strong representation on TIME’s first-ever TIME100 Sports list for 2026. Jack Hughes, Hilary Knight, and Marie-Philip Poulin were all named among the 100 most influential people in sports.
The inclusion of Jack Hughes is another sign of his growing importance in hockey. The New Jersey Devils center was placed in the Titans category, which includes individuals who have a major influence on their sport.
Over the last few years, Hughes has become one of hockey’s biggest stars. He recently scored the overtime golden goal for Team USA against Canada in the 2026 Winter Olympics. His goal secured the USA's first men's Olympic hockey gold medal since 1980.
He has also helped lead the Devils and attracted many young fans with his exciting style of play.
Feb 19, 2026; Milan, Italy; Marie-Philip Poulin (29) of Canada control the puck against the United States in the women's ice hockey gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Feb 19, 2026; Milan, Italy; Marie-Philip Poulin (29) of Canada control the puck against the United States in the women's ice hockey gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Women’s hockey stars Hilary Knight and Marie-Philip Poulin were also named in the Icons category. Like Hughes, Knight won team gold at the Winter Olympics and captained the USA squad.
Montreal Victoire captain Poulin is famous for some of the biggest moments in Canadian hockey history. Regarded as Captain Clutch, she is the record goalscorer in women's Olympic hockey and has three gold medals.
All three players show hockey’s growing influence around the world. While the NHL remains the top professional league, the achievements of Knight and Poulin also showcase the continued growth of women’s hockey.
TIME100 Sports Includes Global Superstars Across Multiple Categories
Jack Hughes, Hilary Knight, and Marie-Philip Poulin share this honor with other hockey superstars. The three have joined Edmonton Oilers' duo Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who were honored as two of TIME's most influential people.
Soccer star Lionel Messi, basketball star Caitlin Clark, tennis star Carlos Alcaraz, South African star cricketer Temba Bavuma, and other sporting superstars across the world were also named in the 2026 TIME100 Sports list.
TIME divides its Sports 100 list into four groups: Icons, Titans, Innovators, and Leaders. Icons are athletes who have made a major impact through their achievements and influence.
Titans are powerful stars helping shape their sport. Innovators bring new ideas and approaches, while Leaders help guide teams, leagues, and organizations.
According to TIME, the selections are based on influence, impact, achievements, and the ability to shape conversations in sports and society. The list is not ranked from 1 to 100.
Instead, it highlights influential people from different parts of the sports world. Being included alongside these global stars underscores the importance of recognition and highlights hockey’s growing influence worldwide.
What do you think? How does this honor show hockey’s growing popularity and impact around the world? Comment down below.
Read more at the NHL Fan Central.
Written by
Kapil Manghnani
Edited by
Sijo Paul