The gold medal-winning U.S. men’s hockey team made a swift journey from the ice in Milan to the halls of power in Washington. On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, players landed at Joint Base Andrews before heading to the White House for a special welcome from President Donald Trump.[1] This visit capped off their dramatic 2-1 overtime victory over Canada in the Milan Cortina Olympics gold medal game on Sunday, marking America’s first men’s hockey Olympic gold in 46 years since the Miracle on Ice.
Forward Matthew Tkachuk shared social media photos of the team celebrating aboard what appeared to be a government plane and deplaning as a group. The occasion highlighted national pride just ahead of Trump’s State of the Union address that evening.
The thrilling path to gold
Team USA’s triumph came in a high-stakes showdown at Santaguida Arena. Matt Boldy opened scoring at 6:00 of the first period, flipping a puck past Jordan Binnington after gaining position on Cale Makar and Devon Toews.[2] Makar tied it late in the second with a snap shot, but Connor Hellebuyck stood tall, making 41 saves including a crucial stick save on Toews in the third period.
Overtime brought the decisive moment at 1:41 in 3-on-3 play. Jack Hughes slid a shot through Binnington’s five-hole off a Zach Werenski assist, securing the win.[2] Hellebuyck’s performance earned tournament MVP honors, with a .956 save percentage.
Post-game elation poured out from players. “I can’t even believe this… It’s such an unbelievable game,” Hughes said.[2] Matthew Tkachuk praised Hellebuyck: “Oh my gosh, they will be talking about this performance for generations.”
The victory avenged recent losses and showcased USA’s depth. As we covered in detail in our game recap, Canada’s shot dominance couldn’t overcome Hellebuyck’s wall.
P.K. Subban called it an “unbelievable moment for USA hockey.”
Trump’s locker room call and the invitation
Moments after the final buzzer, Trump phoned the locker room. He congratulated the team and extended invites to the State of the Union, joking he’d “have to” include the women’s gold winners over Canada or face impeachment—drawing laughs from players.[3]
The women declined citing scheduling conflicts, but the men accepted. This set the stage for their rapid return.
After a Monday night charter to Miami, the squad flew to D.C. Tuesday morning. Arrival photos showed them with military members, underscoring the patriotic theme.
The invitation highlighted the win’s immediate national resonance. Trump’s call video went viral, blending celebration with light-hearted banter.
Highlights from the White House tour
Upon reaching 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the team posed in front of the South Portico. They strolled the West Wing colonnade lined with presidential portraits, steps from the Oval Office.
Players peeked into the press office, flashing medals to cheering staffers shouting “We love you!” Trump greeted them warmly in the gold-accented Oval Office.
“I recognize every one of you. I know every one of you,” Trump said, shaking hands with the “big guys” in USA tops bearing flags and Olympic rings.[1] Administration aides shared videos and photos online.
Trump even tried on a gold medal, quipping he wasn’t giving it back.[3] For full visuals, see ESPN’s coverage.
Not all attended—Brock Nelson, Jackson LaCombe, Jake Oettinger, Jake Guentzel, and Kyle Connor stayed behind—but 20 players savored the moment.
Players reflect on pride and legacy
Dylan Larkin and Zach Werenski spoke of instilled patriotism from USA Hockey programs. “Every time I get the chance to represent the United States… I’m all in,” Larkin told Fox & Friends.[3]
Werenski echoed: “You get reminded of how great the United States of America is… It’s the best country in the world.” Their words captured the homecoming spirit. Check Fox News for more.
This win ends a drought since 1980, shifting the USA-Canada rivalry. Our analysis on the historical breakthrough notes its parallels to past classics.
Standout performers included:
- Jack Hughes: OT hero, tournament leader in points.
- Connor Hellebuyck: 41 saves, MVP.
- Matt Boldy: Fastest gold game opener.
- Zach Werenski: Game-winning assist.
Canada’s Connor McDavid took MVP despite the loss, with Cale Makar scoring their lone goal.
Looking ahead to the future
The team’s White House stop and State of the Union attendance cement their place in history. It signals a rising U.S. hockey era, blending NHL stars with unbreakable resolve.
As NHL playoffs loom, expect this momentum to carry forward. The gold rekindles the rivalry’s fire, promising intense future battles.
For American fans, it’s a reminder of hockey’s power to unite—a modern miracle echoing 1980.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.