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Olympic gold medalist and University of Minnesota hockey star Abbey Murphy dismissed the narrative that the men’s Olympic hockey team disrespected them by laughing off a remark President Donald Trump made after their win over Canada on Sunday, saying the two groups share a mutual respect for each other.
Speaking about some of her fondest memories at Milan Cortina, Murphy said during an appearance on Barstool’s “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast that her favorite memory came the night of the men’s gold medal game when the two groups met in the dining hall.
Abbey Murphy (37) of the United States celebrates after winning the women’s ice hockey gold medal by defeating Canada during the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at the Milan Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, Italy, on February 19, 2026. (Amber Searls/Imagn Images)
“The first two guys we saw were Brady Tkachuk, Connor Hellebuyck and Charlie McAvoy. Charlie McAvoy had his glasses on, I mean the biggest smile on his face and he welcomed every single girl [with] a big old hug, a hug that we all laughed at, good memories. And he was just super happy for us, as we were for them.”
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Murphy, who won gold with his two goals and five assists throughout the tournament, said the two teams sat together for 2.5 hours before the men’s team had to depart around 1 p.m.
“We sat around the table laughing and joking. Jack Eichel led a lot of cheering that we followed along with. I sat next to Tage Thompson, who had a lot to share. He was a really funny guy. But you know, it’s just something we’re going to remember forever.
“Being there with them and experiencing all those things were some of the best moments I will remember,” she added. “Obviously, a huge honor to represent the country with them. So happy to get as many memories as possible.”
Team USA’s men’s hockey gold medalists have irked liberal pundits and news organizations despite captivating the nation with their Olympic performance. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Murphy went on to explain that despite the media storm that followed the men’s team after they were heard laughing in response to Trump saying he would also “have to” invite the women’s team to the State of the Union address, she thought it was “sad” that the players had to apologize.
“We’ve never had anything bad with them. It’s sad that they have to apologize for anything at all. It really is.”
“They’re a special group of guys and we’re honored to be on that journey with them and share it. But we know how much they respect us and we respect them. It definitely goes both ways.”
A debate surrounding the men’s team’s participation in the State of the Union address and meeting with Trump in the Oval Office on Tuesday led to many of the players facing questions about the incident when they returned to the NHL.
US women’s hockey star Hillary Knight addressed the controversy on ESPN, calling the joke “tasteless” but defending the men’s players.
USA’s Kendall Coyne, left, and USA’s Hilary Knight celebrate after the women’s ice hockey victory ceremony at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, on February 19, 2026. (Hassan Ammar/AP Photo)
“I think there’s a real level of support and respect,” she said. “I think it gets overshadowed by a quick lapse. I think the guys were in a difficult situation, so I think it’s a shame that this story and narrative is kind of blown up and overshadows that connection and genuine interest in each other and cheering each other on.”
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The women’s hockey team declined an invitation to the State of the Union address, but USA Hockey said in a later statement that the team would “soon” visit the White House to celebrate their gold medal success “based on their schedules as their seasons end.”
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