The celebration of Team USA's historic dual hockey gold medals at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics has been clouded by political controversy, but one women's star is cutting through the noise with a message of unity. After both the men's and women's squads toppled Canada to claim the top podium spot, an awkward moment during a congratulatory call from former President Donald Trump to the men's team sparked a public firestorm.
A Controversial Call
Following the men's dramatic victory, sealed by Jack Hughes's game-winner, players received a phone call from Trump. During the conversation, the former president made a remark that quickly drew criticism, stating, "I must tell you, we're going to have to bring the women's team, you do know that. I do believe I probably would be impeached." The comment, perceived by many as dismissive toward the women's champions, put the men's team in an uncomfortable position and ignited debate across the sports world.
In the aftermath, several members of the men's team, including Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman, issued public apologies. "We should've reacted differently," Swayman told The Skate Pod. "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."
Murphy's Candid Response
Abbey Murphy, a standout forward for the women's gold medalists, recently addressed the situation head-on during an appearance on Barstool Sports' Spittin' Chiclets podcast. Her take? The need for an apology is what's truly disappointing.
"We never felt anything bad from them. It's sad that they even have to apologize for anything. It really is," Murphy stated, her words carrying a tone of genuine regret over the fractured narrative. "They're a special group of boys and we're honored to kind of be in that journey with them and share it. But we know how much they respect us and we respect them. It definitely goes two ways."
Murphy's comments underscore a powerful bond between the two teams, forged through shared Olympic triumph, that exists independently of the external political drama. Her perspective shifts the focus from division back to the monumental athletic achievement both squads earned on the ice in Milan.
Celebration Plans Take Different Paths
While the controversy simmers, plans to honor the champions are unfolding on separate tracks. As of now, the U.S. women's hockey team has not scheduled a visit to the White House, though that could change. In a colorful alternative, iconic rapper and superfan Flavor Flav has stepped in to organize a celebration for the women's team in Las Vegas this July.
An invitation from Flav's camp read, "We saw the story about the men's invite to the White House, and the not quite invite for the women's team. Flav recently posted on social media an idea and invite for the women's hockey team to Las Vegas for a real celebration." The event, planned for July 16-19, promises to be a "lovely experience" for the gold medalists.
This development highlights the unusual cultural moment surrounding the teams' victories—where a hip-hop legend intervenes to ensure the women champions receive their due fanfare. It also raises questions about the traditional post-championship White House visit and what it means in today's politically charged climate.
The core of the story, as voiced by Abbey Murphy, remains the profound respect between two elite teams who made history together. The apologies, the political commentary, and the divergent celebration plans are peripheral to the central truth these athletes know: they are forever linked as golden standard-bearers for USA Hockey, and no controversy can diminish the luster of the medals they worked a lifetime to earn.
