Jack Hughes is not tiptoeing around it. The overtime hero of Team USA's gold medal win over Canada said the men's hockey team is "super excited" about an invitation to the White House following their historic run at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
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"We're proud to represent the U.S.," Hughes told reporters. "When you get the chance to go to the White House and meet the president, that's special. That's patriotic."
Hughes' comments came as the men's team accepted an invitation tied to the State of the Union, while the U.S. women's hockey team declined due to previously scheduled commitments. The differing responses sparked predictable online noise. Hughes brushed it off.
"People are just trying to make something out of almost nothing," he said. "Everyone's so negative."
The men's team was invited following a congratulatory call from President Donald Trump, a moment facilitated by Kash Patel. During the call, Trump joked that he would be impeached if he did not also invite the women's team.
Hughes made it clear there is no tension between the squads, saying the teams grew close during their time in the Olympic Village and remain supportive of each other.
The women's team issued a statement expressing gratitude for the invitation while citing scheduling conflicts.
For Hughes and the men, the focus remains simple. They won gold. They represented the country. And they are proud of it.
