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US men’s hockey star Jack Hughes appears to have no qualms about the potential of going to Washington for President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address.
Trump invited the men’s hockey team to his speech Sunday after Hughes scored in overtime of the gold medal game to defeat Canada 2-1.
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USA’s Jack Hughes (86) poses with teammates after a men’s ice hockey gold medal game between Canada and the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
The players’ enthusiasm seemed to irritate critics of Trump. But while speaking to reporters outside E11EVEN in Miami on Monday night, the New Jersey Devils star said meeting the president is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“Everything is so political. We’re athletes. We’re so proud to represent the United States, and when you get the chance to go to the White House, meet the president, you know, we’re proud to be Americans, it’s so patriotic. Whatever your views are, we’re super excited to go to the White House and just be a part of it,” he said.
USA’s Jack Hughes (86), who scored the winning overtime goal, celebrates after defeating Canada in the men’s ice hockey gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Hughes was dripping with patriotism right after scoring the goal on Canadian netminder Jordan Binnington.
“This is about our country right now. I love the USA. I love my teammates. It’s unbelievable. The USA is a hockey brotherhood. It’s so strong and we had so much support from former players. I’m so proud to be an American today,” he said.
As the team celebrated in the locker room, FBI Director Kash Patel kept his phone on speaker as President Donald Trump invited the team to his State of the Union address.
“I’ll tell you what. I just told my people two minutes ago, I didn’t know they were going to call, I said we’re giving the State of the Union address on Tuesday night,” Trump said. “I can send a military plane or something, but if you want, it’s the coolest night, it’s the biggest speech…”
One player cut Trump off and said, “We’re in.”
Jack Hughes of the United States celebrates with his national flag after scoring their second goal in overtime to win gold on February 22, 2026. (REUTERS/Alessandro Garofalo)
“We’re going to get Kash and we’re going to get the military to get you guys over,” Trump continued. “Don’t worry about the weather or landing. We don’t care if it’s snowing or if it’s the worst blizzard—we’ll sail through like you did on the ice.”
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