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American men’s hockey star Jack Hughes appeared to have no qualms about traveling 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, beating Canada 2-1.
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Jack Hughes (86) of the United States 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, February 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
The players’ enthusiasm seemed to vex Trump’s critics. But while speaking to reporters outside E11EVEN in Miami on Monday night, the New Jersey Devils star said meeting the president was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“It’s all so political. We’re athletes. We’re so proud to represent the United States and when you get a chance to go to the White House and meet the president, you know, we’re proud to be Americans, it’s so patriotic. No matter what your opinions are, we’re very excited to go to the White House and be a part of it,” he said.
Jack Hughes (86) of the United States, who scored the game-winning goal in overtime, celebrates after beating Canada in the men’s ice hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Hughes was brimming with patriotism immediately after scoring the goal against Canadian goalie Jordan Binnington.
“It’s all about our country right now. I love the United States. I love my teammates. It’s incredible. The United States is a hockey brotherhood. It’s so strong and we’ve had so much support from former players. I’m so proud to be American today,” he said.
As the team celebrated in the locker room, FBI Director Kash Patel held 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 staff two minutes ago, I didn’t know they would call, I said we would give the State of the Union address 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…”
A player cut Trump off and said, “Here we are. »
Jack Hughes of the United States celebrates with his national flag after scoring his second goal in overtime to win gold on February 22, 2026. (Reuters/Alessandro Garofalo)
“We will have Kash and we will ask the military to help you,” Trump continued. “You won’t have to worry about the weather or landing. We don’t care if it’s snowing or the worst blizzard – we’ll sail just like you did on the ice.”
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