Gold medal victory in Milan
President Donald Trump has invited the U.S. men’s hockey team to attend his upcoming State of the Union address following their gold medal victory at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
The team secured the championship on Sunday, capping off a dominant run on the international stage. Their win quickly drew congratulations from across the country, including from the White House.
A surprise call from the president
As players celebrated in the locker room, Kash Patel joined them and connected Trump to the team by phone. With the call on speaker, the president personally congratulated the players and extended an invitation to attend Tuesday night’s address in Washington.
Trump told the team he could arrange military transportation if needed, making it clear that travel logistics would not stand in their way. One player responded immediately and said they were ready to come. The exchange sparked cheers inside the locker room.
The president praised the team’s performance and compared their ability to push through tough moments on the ice to navigating difficult conditions in the air. His remarks were lighthearted, yet clearly enthusiastic.
Praise for the standout goalie
Trump also singled out goaltender Connor Hellebuyck for his performance in the gold medal game. Hellebuyck stopped 41 shots, delivering one of the strongest outings of the tournament.
The president joked that he had seen goalies perform worse and described the effort as remarkable. He added that the entire squad played at an elite level throughout the final matchup.
Honoring both teams
In addition to the invitation, Trump said he plans to recognize the men’s team with further honors. He also mentioned that the women’s team would be invited for recognition as well, signaling broader appreciation for Team USA’s Olympic success.
The players appeared energized by the call and excited about the opportunity to attend the address in Washington. Their Olympic triumph now sets the stage for a high profile appearance on one of the biggest political nights of the year.
