The celebration for the U.S. men's hockey team's Olympic gold medal has hit an unexpected rough patch, with two of its biggest stars now facing the music for their post-victory conduct. Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy and goaltender Jeremy Swayman have issued public apologies after facing significant backlash for their behavior in the locker room following a congratulatory call from the White House.
The Moment That Sparked Controversy
In the euphoric moments after defeating Canada for the gold medal at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, the U.S. men's team received a phone call from President Donald Trump. During the call, the President quipped that he would be "impeached" if he didn't also invite the gold-medal-winning U.S. women's team to the White House. The joke elicited hearty laughter from the men's team, a reaction that was captured and quickly spread across social media platforms.
The response online was swift and critical, with many fans and commentators accusing the players of showing disrespect toward the accomplishments of the women's team, who had also secured a dramatic gold medal victory over Canada. The incident created an awkward divide between the two champion squads at a moment meant for national unity and celebration.
Stars Step Forward with Regret
After days of mounting pressure, Charlie McAvoy was the first to address the situation head-on. "Certainly sorry for how we responded to it in that moment," McAvoy told reporters. "Things just happened really quick there. … It's certainly not reflective of how we feel and look at them and their accomplishments." The defenseman emphasized that the reaction was a spontaneous moment in a charged environment, not a deliberate slight.
Goaltender Jeremy Swayman echoed his teammate's sentiments, offering a thoughtful apology. "We should've reacted differently," Swayman stated in an interview. "We know that we are so excited for the women's team. We have so much respect for the women's team. To share that gold medal with them is something we're forever grateful for." Swayman highlighted the shared achievement, looking forward to a joint celebration of their historic dual victories for American hockey.
A Complicated Celebration
The controversy unfolded alongside another development: the U.S. women's team ultimately declined the White House invitation cited in the President's joke. The team released a statement expressing gratitude for the recognition but citing "previously scheduled academic and professional commitments" as the reason for their inability to attend. They stressed they were "honored to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment" of their Olympic triumph.
This context added layers to the men's apology, as it underscored the separate paths and pressures faced by the two teams even in victory. The women's team, featuring stars like Kendall Coyne and Hilary Knight, carved out their own legacy with a gritty win, and their decision was treated with respect in their official communication.
Owning the Moment
While some critics noted the apologies came several days after the incident, the players' decision to address the issue directly has been seen by many as a necessary step toward mending fences. The core of their message focused on immense respect for their fellow champions and regret that a moment of levity was misinterpreted or poorly judged.
The episode serves as a reminder of the intense spotlight on modern athletes, where moments inside a private locker room can become public discourse in an instant. For McAvoy and Swayman, their gold medal moment will now be remembered not just for their on-ice prowess, but for this lesson in off-ice accountability. As the hockey world moves forward, the hope is that the focus can return to celebrating an unprecedented double gold for USA Hockey, a feat achieved through the remarkable skill and dedication of both the men's and women's national teams.
