The United States hockey team won the Olympic gold medal after beating Canada in overtime in Milano Cortina. It was their first men’s hockey gold since 1980, and they had to wait for decades to finally get to the top of the best hockey. The win brought reactions from across the country as players celebrated the result.
With the entire nation in celebration mode, one decision after the tournament stands out.
Kyle Connor Opts Out of Presidential White House Event Following Team USA Gold
Team USA defeated Team Canada 2-1 in overtime on Sunday to win the Olympic gold medal. It was their first Olympic title in men’s hockey since 1980. Jack Hughes became a national hero overnight after scoring the winning goal early in overtime. Their goalie, Connor Hellebuyck, stopped 41 shots, eliminating the USA’s rival despite their strong offense.
Canada was playing in a controlled way in the third period, but the United States handled that pressure and ultimately finished the game. This win was special, and USA President Donald Trump himself invited the team for a meeting.
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After the tournament, forward Kyle Connor chose not to attend the White House visit with the President. Instead, he returned to Winnipeg to rejoin the Jets as the NHL schedule resumed. His decision came at a time when teams were quickly getting back into regular-season action.
Connor explained his choice when he spoke to the media. “It’s a big second half, so wanted to make sure I was ready. It’s a quick turnaround. Obviously, I haven’t been playing, so I wanted to get a practice under me and be ready for (Wednesday’s) game.”
Connor made it clear that his focus was on getting back into game action after limited usage at the Olympics.
Connor’s tournament did not go as planned. He played in the first two games but did not record a point or a shot. After that, he was a healthy scratch for the rest of the event. He still earned a gold medal, but his role stayed limited throughout the tournament.
Back in Winnipeg, Connor remains the prime offensive player for the Jets. He has 64 points in 56 games this season and leads the team in shots on goal. He continues to play on the top line with Mark Scheifele as the Jets push for a playoff spot.
Connor also signed an eight-year, $96 million contract extension on Oct. 8, 2025. The deal runs through the 2033-34 season and confirms his long-term association with the team. His attention is now on helping the Jets in the second half of the season.
The White House visit brought extra attention to Team USA’s celebration after the gold medal win. The players attended the State of the Union address, where they were recognized in front of lawmakers.
They received a standing ovation, and Hellebuyck was announced as a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom after his performance in the final.
Trump also met the players at the White House, where they posed with their medals and spent time together.
