The red, white, and blue is flying high! After a heart-stopping overtime victory to capture Olympic gold, the U.S. men's hockey team is taking their celebration to the nation's capital. The champions have officially embarked on a journey to Washington, D.C., for a prestigious White House visit, capping off their incredible run at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games.
A Flight Fit for Champions
Team USA shared a glimpse of their journey this Tuesday, posting a photo of the squad boarding a distinctive Air Force Boeing 757. The image captures the moment of departure for a well-deserved victory lap, symbolizing the high-flying status of this team after their monumental win over archrival Canada.
How They Won It All
The path to gold was paved with sheer determination and clutch performances. The final was an instant classic, requiring extra time to settle the score. It was New Jersey Devils phenom Jack Hughes who etched his name into history, firing home the game-winning goal in overtime to send the United States to the top of the podium.
However, the heroes were many. The victory would have been impossible without the stone-wall performance of goaltender Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets. Facing a relentless Canadian attack, Hellebuyck stood tall with a staggering 41 saves, bearing the weight of a nation's hopes with legendary composure.
Teammate Matthew Tkachuk didn't hold back in his praise. "It's going to go down as one of the best performances of all time," Tkachuk declared. "Right up there with Jim Craig in 1980, all the great United States goaltenders. In the NHL, whatever type of hockey you want to talk about, that's right up there."
Pride and Patriotism on Display
For the players, the White House invitation is a unique honor that transcends politics. Gold medal hero Jack Hughes expressed the team's collective sentiment, highlighting the patriotic nature of the occasion. "We're athletes, we're proud to represent the US," Hughes said. "When you get the chance to go to the White House to meet the president, we're proud to be Americans... No matter your views are, we're super excited to go and be part of that."
A Different Story for the Women's Team
In a contrasting turn of events, the U.S. women's hockey team, who also secured gold in a thrilling overtime final against Canada, will not be attending. Despite their equally monumental achievement, the team cited scheduling conflicts. In a statement, they expressed gratitude for the late invitation but explained, "Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate." Reports indicate their invitation did not arrive until late Sunday night, after the men's team had already received and accepted theirs.
This development adds a layer of complexity to the post-Olympic celebrations, highlighting the different paths for the two champion squads. While the men soar to their presidential honor, the women's team moves forward with their planned commitments, their golden accomplishment celebrated in other arenas.
As the men's team touches down in D.C., they carry not just their gold medals, but the spirit of a historic win forged by Hellebuyck's heroics and Hughes's overtime magic. Their visit marks a proud moment for USA Hockey, a golden chapter they will celebrate together at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
