President Donald Trump telephoned the United States men's hockey team after their dramatic 2-1 overtime victory over Canada in the Olympic gold medal match, congratulating them on an “unbelievable” performance and inviting them to attend his State of the Union address on Tuesday night.
In a locker-room video of the call, Trump told players that the win would be remembered for decades. He also insisted that the US women's team, who won gold earlier in the week, must be invited, joking that he would be impeached if they were left out.
Trump offered to arrange military transport for the team and suggested a White House celebration the following day. He singled out goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who made 41 saves, saying he had to shake his hand.
Head coach Mike Sullivan confirmed the call and said the team was honoured by the president's gesture. Captain Auston Matthews said the players were proud to represent the US but noted logistics had to be considered, as the NHL season resumes on Wednesday.
The call was facilitated by FBI director Kash Patel, who had travelled to Milan for the semi-finals and joined the locker-room celebrations. Patel, a lifelong hockey player, was seen in social media videos drinking beer and spraying the remainder in celebration.
