Olympic hockey hero Jack Hughes delivered a motivational message to Team USA ahead of their crucial World Baseball Classic quarterfinal against Canada. New Jersey Devils star Hughes, who scored the overtime gold medal goal against Canada in the Winter Olympics, sent a private video message to the baseball team through USA Baseball's communications staff.

Hughes, a die-hard New York Yankees fan, recorded the hype video in the Devils' locker room at MLB's request. Team USA manager Mark DeRosa shared the message in the players' group chat, calling it a "nice little fire-up message." The hockey motivation appears to be working - Aaron Judge told Pat McAfee the team was "so fired up" and sent multiple pictures of Hughes in their group chat.

USA Baseball hopes to replicate the Olympic hockey team's success as they face Canada in a must-win game. While USA Hockey has struggled against Canada for years, the baseball team has dominated recently, winning four straight matchups since 2006. Team Canada is countering with its own Olympic inspiration, as Josh Naylor wore a 2002 Paul Kariya jersey. The hockey crossover motivation highlights how Olympic success has energized both nations' baseball teams heading into this high-stakes WBC quarterfinal.