Overview
- Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman said the U.S. men’s team "should’ve reacted differently" to President Trump’s locker-room joke about inviting the women’s team, stressing their respect for the women’s gold medalists.
- USA Hockey confirmed the women declined the State of the Union due to academic and professional commitments and said a White House visit would depend on players’ schedules once seasons conclude.
- Most of the U.S. men’s team visited the White House and attended the Feb. 24 address, while five players — Kyle Connor, Jake Guentzel, Jackson LaCombe, Brock Nelson and Jake Oettinger — stayed away citing timing, team schedules or family reasons.
- During the address, President Trump said the women "will soon" visit and announced plans to award goalie Connor Hellebuyck the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
- A White House photo that showed Tage Thompson wearing a MAGA hat drew online criticism as players from both teams emphasized mutual support, with women’s captain Hilary Knight calling the joke "distasteful."