US Olympic Hockey Champions Visit Trump at White House Before State of the Union Address
The triumphant Team USA men's hockey squad, having secured Olympic gold in a dramatic overtime victory, commenced their arrival at the United States Capitol on Tuesday evening. Their presence preceded President Donald Trump's highly anticipated State of the Union speech, marking a celebratory yet politically charged occasion.
From Olympic Glory to Political Spotlight
Following an invitation extended by President Trump during a celebratory locker room phone call—a gesture that has since sparked national debate—the Winter Olympics champions spent the day in Washington, D.C. The team's journey began after a night of jubilant celebrations in Miami, with their flight landing in the capital on Tuesday morning. They were promptly welcomed by Trump in the Oval Office as he prepared for his evening address.
Notably, Trump humorously remarked that he would 'be impeached' if he failed to invite the women's hockey team, who also clinched gold in Milan. The women's team subsequently declined the invitation, adding to the narrative of division surrounding the event.
A Golden Entrance and White House Tour
Boston Bruins standout Charlie McAvoy was among the first to arrive at the Capitol, his gold medal prominently displayed around his neck. He proudly showcased the medal to staffers and attendees gathered for the presidential speech. Of the 25-man Olympic roster, 20 members traveled to Washington, though the exact number attending the State of the Union remained uncertain.
Throughout Tuesday, Trump administration aides documented the team's visit via social media, sharing videos and photographs. The hockey stars were captured posing for a group photo in front of the White House's South Portico. They then proceeded along the West Wing colonnade, where Trump has displayed portraits of every U.S. president, before entering the Oval Office.
As they approached, some players briefly stopped at the press office, flashing their medals from Sunday's thrilling 2-1 overtime win against Canada. This victory marked America's first gold medal in men's hockey since the legendary 'Miracle on Ice' team triumphed in Lake Placid, New York, in 1980. Staffers erupted in applause, cheering, 'We love you!'
Presidential Welcome and Notable Absences
Upon entering the Oval Office—adorned with gold accents that complemented the players' medals—Trump greeted the team warmly, stating, 'I recognize every one of you. I know every one of you.' He referred to them as 'Big guys' while shaking hands near his desk. The athletes wore dark tops featuring 'USA', the American flag, and Olympic rings, paired with light-colored pants.
Panthers veteran Matthew Tkachuk, a back-to-back Stanley Cup champion making his third White House visit in just over a year, received special recognition from Trump. The President noted, 'There's my friend. You've come a long way since I last saw you.' Tkachuk had previously praised Trump during Florida's Stanley Cup celebration at the White House last month.
However, not all team members participated. Five players—Kyle Connor, Jake Oettinger, Brock Nelson, Jake Guentzel, and Jackson LaCombe—opted out of the Washington visit to continue their celebrations elsewhere. Connor practiced with the Winnipeg Jets, Oettinger returned to Texas for the Dallas Stars, Nelson visited family in Denver, Guentzel headed home to Tampa Bay, and LaCombe traveled back to California. Interestingly, all except Connor hail from Minnesota, a state recently marred by violent clashes between immigration enforcement agents and anti-ICE protesters following the deaths of two Americans.
The visit underscores the intersection of sports and politics, highlighting both celebration and division as the nation watches Trump's State of the Union address.
