Just days after clinching a dramatic Olympic gold medal, several members of the U.S. men’s hockey team – including four players from Minnesota – chose not to meet President Donald Trump, declining his invitation to visit the White House.
On Feb. 23, the United States defeated Canada 2-1 in a tightly contested Olympic final, securing gold in one of the most anticipated matchups of the Winter Games. The rivalry between the two nations, long considered hockey powerhouses, added extra intensity to the win, which was celebrated across the country.
Footage from the locker room shortly after the victory quickly spread online. In the video, President Trump, 79, called the team to congratulate them and extended a high-profile invitation.
“I could send a military plane or something, if you would like to – it’s the coolest night, it’s the biggest speech,” Trump reportedly said in the call.
“I’m gonna shake hands with everybody, but I gotta shake hands with that goalie,” Trump told the team referencing Connor Hellebuyck, the Winnipeg Jets goalie who stonewalled Canada in the final.
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