US men’s hockey team meets President Trump at White House ahead of his State of the Union address

Following their dramatic Olympic final victory over Canada on Sunday, the US men’s hockey team was invited by Donald Trump to celebrate in Washington, DC. The president also extended an invitation to the US women’s team, who declined due to timing and pre-existing academic and professional commitments. On Tuesday, the men’s team visited the White House for a short reception ahead of Trump’s State of the Union address to Congress. During the meeting, he praised the players and coaches for their commitment and recent success.

"I recognize every one of you. I know every one of you," Trump said, as quoted by The Guardian, while welcoming the players at the Oval Office. The president then shook their hands. "Big guys," he said.



Most of the squad attended the event, but five of the 25 players were reportedly not present: Brock Nelson, Jackson LaCombe, Jake Guentzel, Jake Oettinger, and Kyle Connor. Nelson, LaCombe, Guentzel, and Oettinger were either born in Minnesota or spent significant parts of their childhood there. According to The Guardian, the state has been at the center of a strict immigration crackdown under the Trump administration in recent months, a backdrop that drew attention amid their absence.


Connor, who plays for the Winnipeg Jets in Canada, explained that he chose to miss the White House visit in order to focus on the remainder of the National Hockey League season, which resumes on Wednesday.

"I’m just getting ready. We play on Wednesday," he told the Athletic as quoted by The Guardian. "It’s a big second half so I just wanted to make sure I was ready."


The White House posted photos and videos on social media that showed the team taking a tour of the building and assembling for a group picture with the president inside the Oval Office. The visit came after Trump called the team following their Sunday night gold-medal victory over Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics, extending an invitation for them to attend his address to Congress.