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Olympic gold medalist and University of Minnesota hockey star Abbey Murphy rejected the narrative that the men’s Olympic hockey team disrespected them by mocking a remark made by President Donald Trump after their victory over Canada on Sunday, saying the two groups shared a mutual respect.
Speaking about some of his fondest memories at Milan Cortina, Murphy said during an appearance on Barstool’s “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast that his favorite memory was the night of the men’s gold medal game when the two groups met in the dining hall.
American Abbey Murphy (37) celebrates after winning the gold medal in women’s ice hockey by defeating Canada during the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics at the Milan Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, Italy, 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 his biggest smile and he was greeting every girl. [with] a big hug, a squeeze that we all laughed about, 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 left around 3 a.m.
“We sat around the table laughing and joking. Jack Eichel was leading a lot of the cheers that we were following along with. I was sitting next to Tage Thompson, who had a lot to share. He was a really funny guy. But, you know, it’s just things like that that we’ll remember forever.
“Being there with them and experiencing all those things were some of the best times I will remember,” she added. “It’s obviously a huge honor to represent the country with them. So, I’m happy to create as many memories as possible.”
The gold medalists of the U.S. men’s hockey team angered liberal pundits and news organizations even though they captivated the nation with their Olympic feat. (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 “should” also invite the women’s team to the State of the Union address, she found it “sad” that the players had to apologize.
“We never felt anything bad from them. It’s sad that they even have to apologize for anything. They really do.”
“They’re a special group of boys and we’re honored to go on this 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 attending the State of the Union address and meeting with Trump in the Oval Office on Tuesday has many players asking questions about the incident upon their return to the NHL.
American women’s hockey star Hillary Knight addressed the controversy on ESPN, calling the joke “in bad taste” but defended the male players.
Kendall Coyne of the United States, left, and Hilary Knight of the United States celebrate after the victory ceremony for women’s ice hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, February 19, 2026. (Hassan Ammar/AP Photo)
“I think there’s a real level of support and respect there,” she said. “I think it was overshadowed by a quick gap. I think the guys were in a tough situation, so I think it’s a shame that that story and that narrative kind of blew up and overshadowed that connection and that real interest in each other and encouraging each other.”
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The women’s hockey team declined the invitation to the State of the Union address, but USA Hockey said in a subsequent statement that the team would travel to the White House “soon” to celebrate its gold medal “depending on its schedule once the season ends.”
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