President Donald Trump has invited the United States men's hockey team to attend his State of the Union address on Tuesday after they claimed Olympic gold with a 2-1 overtime victory over Canada. In a locker-room phone call shortly after the game, Trump praised the team's 'unbelievable' performance and offered to send a military plane to bring the players to Washington.
The US won their third Olympic men's hockey title, their first since the 'Miracle on Ice' in 1980, thanks to Jack Hughes's overtime winner and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who made 41 saves. Trump singled out Hellebuyck, saying he wanted to shake hands with the goalie.
Trump also mentioned the women's team, who won gold earlier in the week, joking that he would 'probably be impeached' if they were not invited. The president described the State of the Union as 'the coolest night' and suggested a White House celebration the following day.
Captain Auston Matthews confirmed the call and said the team were proud to represent the US, but noted logistical challenges with the NHL season resuming on Wednesday. US coach Mike Sullivan called the victory 'an inspiration to our country'. The call was coordinated in part by FBI director Kash Patel, a lifelong hockey fan, who watched the game from a hospitality suite.
