USA men’s hockey team to attend State of the Union after Olympic gold victory
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Feb 25, 2026, 01:48 IST
USA men’s hockey team to attend State of the Union after Olympic gold victory
Team USA men’s hockey captain Quinn Hughes confirmed the team plans to attend President Donald Trump’s upcoming State of the Union address after receiving an invitation following their gold medal victory at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. Hughes shared the news on Good Morning America, saying the team looks forward to the experience. Trump invited the players during a congratulatory locker room call after their win over Canada, offering a White House tour and military flight. The invitation sparked mixed reactions online, especially after the U.S. women’s hockey team, which also won gold, chose not to attend. Rapper Flavor Flav later offered to host the women’s team for a separate celebration. Hughes emphasized the men fully support the women’s program and do not want political differences to create division. Both teams, along with their families, stressed unity and mutual respect despite public backlash.
Team USA men’s hockey captain Quinn Hughes said the team plans to attend President Donald Trump’s upcoming State of the Union address after being invited following their gold medal win at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. Hughes shared the update during an appearance on Good Morning America and said the group is looking forward to the experience.
“We’re excited to go. It’s something you don’t get to do every Tuesday,” Hughes said.
The invitation came after Trump called the men’s team to congratulate them on their win over Canada in the Olympic final. During the locker room call, the President invited the players to attend the address, tour the White House and even offered to fly them on a military plane.
Trump also mentioned the U.S. women’s hockey team, which also won gold in Italy. A clip from the call went viral and led to mixed reactions online. Soon after, the women’s team decided not to attend the State of the Union. Rapper Flavor Flav publicly offered to host the women’s team for a separate celebration.
Hughes said the men’s team fully supports the women’s program and does not want the situation to create division. Over the past few summers, players from both teams have trained together and built close friendships. He said the bond between the two teams is strong despite the online backlash.
Jack Hughes, Quinn’s brother and teammate, also spoke about the criticism and said the negativity on social media does not reflect how the teams feel about each other. He made it clear that the men’s locker room is proud of the women’s success and stands behind them.
The Hughes brothers’ mother, Ellen Hughes, who works as a consultant with the U.S. women’s team, said both teams have the power to bring people together no matter their political views.
For now, the men’s team plans to attend the State of the Union, while the women’s team will celebrate their Olympic title in a different way.
“We’re excited to go. It’s something you don’t get to do every Tuesday,” Hughes said.
The invitation came after Trump called the men’s team to congratulate them on their win over Canada in the Olympic final. During the locker room call, the President invited the players to attend the address, tour the White House and even offered to fly them on a military plane.
Trump also mentioned the U.S. women’s hockey team, which also won gold in Italy. A clip from the call went viral and led to mixed reactions online. Soon after, the women’s team decided not to attend the State of the Union. Rapper Flavor Flav publicly offered to host the women’s team for a separate celebration.
Hughes said the men’s team fully supports the women’s program and does not want the situation to create division. Over the past few summers, players from both teams have trained together and built close friendships. He said the bond between the two teams is strong despite the online backlash.
Jack Hughes, Quinn’s brother and teammate, also spoke about the criticism and said the negativity on social media does not reflect how the teams feel about each other. He made it clear that the men’s locker room is proud of the women’s success and stands behind them.
The Hughes brothers’ mother, Ellen Hughes, who works as a consultant with the U.S. women’s team, said both teams have the power to bring people together no matter their political views.
For now, the men’s team plans to attend the State of the Union, while the women’s team will celebrate their Olympic title in a different way.