President Donald Trump made a congratulatory phone call to the US men's hockey team following their 2-1 overtime victory over Canada in the Olympic gold medal game on Sunday. In a locker-room video capturing the call, Trump praised the players' performance and invited them to attend Tuesday night's State of the Union address in Washington DC as guests of honour.
"Unbelievable. You were all unbelievable. That team is pretty good you played," Trump said. He also suggested a White House celebration would follow the address, adding that a military plane could be arranged to transport the team regardless of weather conditions. Trump noted the US women's hockey team, who won gold on Thursday, would also be invited, joking that he would "probably be impeached" if they were not.
The US won their third Olympic men's hockey title, their first since the 1980 Miracle on Ice team. Jack Hughes scored the overtime winner, while goaltender Connor Hellebuyck made 41 saves. Trump singled out Hellebuyck, saying, "I've got to shake hands with that goalie."
US captain Auston Matthews acknowledged the invitation but said the team had not yet decided whether to accept, citing the quick return to NHL play on Wednesday. "We're all proud Americans, obviously, and this is a huge moment for us," Matthews said. "It's an honour to wear this jersey and to represent the USA."
FBI director Kash Patel, who watched the game from a hospitality suite in Milan, joined the locker-room celebration. Patel's official biography notes he is a lifelong ice hockey player, coach, and fan.
