This past weekend saw the United States’ Men’s Hockey Team break a 46-year drought and take home the gold medal in the sport for the first time since the 1980 Miracle on Ice. And while celebrations, good times, and champagne were flowing in the locker room, there was a fair bit of controversy in the aftermath of it all.
Between FBI director Kash Patel partaking in the celebrations and President Donald Trump giving the men’s hockey team a call to garland the gold medalists, there was a lot to talk about after everything that transpired in the locker room.
Auston Matthews Addresses Donald Trump’s Comment on Women’s Hockey Champions
Both the men’s and the women’s hockey teams racked up gold medals in similar fashion by defeating familiar foes, but the celebrations in the men’s locker room became a talking point that stirred controversy on social media.
“I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the woman’s team. You do know that?” President Trump said to the men’s gold medalists. The president joked that he believed he would “probably be impeached” if he didn’t extend an invitation to the women’s team to visit the White House.
That, in addition to a round of laughter in the men’s locker room, gave rise to the controversy in question.
On Wednesday, Team USA captain Auston Matthews was asked for his thoughts on Trump’s comment.
“It’s kind of unfortunate that occurred. We have nothing but love for that team,” Matthews told the media. The Toronto Maple Leafs star also added that he’s not a political person, but he and Team USA were honored to be invited to the White House, as is also customary for Stanley Cup winners.
“We’re proud Americans, and winning a gold medal, especially since it’s been 46 years since the men’s ice hockey team has done that, means a lot,” Matthews said. “I just think it’s something you do because we are proud Americans, whatever your political beliefs may be. Hopefully, something like this can bring more unity to the country and things like that. But for us, we believe it’s a great honor no matter who’s in office.”
For their part, the women’s team declined the invitation to attend the State of the Union. The official reason was listed as a scheduling conflict.
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While Auston Matthews did attend the State of the Union, five U.S. players chose to skip the event for varying reasons, with Tampa Bay Lightning star Jake Guentzel also giving the event a miss.
