President Donald Trump phoned Team USA men’s hockey stars after they beat rivals Canada to secure a first Winter Olympics gold medal in nearly half a century.
Mike Sullivan’s team came from behind to beat their bitter rivals 2-1 in overtime – just days after the US women’s team won gold in exactly the same fashion.
Sunday morning’s clash with Canada in Milan captured the attention of fans on both sides of the border, including in the White House.
And after landing a first gold in men’s hockey since 1980, Team USA received a congratulatory call from the President, who even reportedly invited the players to his State of the Union address on Tuesday.
‘He just spoke to the group expressing how proud he was of the group and congratulating everybody on the win,’ Sullivan revealed. ‘Obviously this game in a lot of ways was an inspiration to our country.
‘I can’t tell you how many texts I’ve received over the last day or so about watch parties at eight in the morning. I think from a viewership standpoint in the United States, there were a lot of people paying attention, the president included.’
Jack Hughes celebrates after scoring the goal that secured Team USA gold against Canada
President Donald Trump called Team USA to congratulate the players on their Olympic victory
Among those in the stands on Sunday was FBI director Kash Patel, who flew to Italy earlier this week on a government jet.
His journey to Europe, which could cost taxpayers up to $75,000, sparked a backlash – despite the FBI insisting it was a business trip.
After Sunday’s game, Patel paid tribute to the victorious US team after headed into the locker room to join in the celebrations.
‘Unity, Sacrifice, Attitude- what it takes to be the best in the world,’ Patel posted on social media alongside a selection of pictures of him enjoying the postgame party.
‘These men live and breathe it. Now Team USA are gold medal champions, legends standing on the shoulders of giants. Thank you for representing the greatest country on earth, in the greatest game ever created.’
Patel – an amateur hockey player and avid fan – posed for pictures alongside Sullivan and a number of players including Jack Hughes, who scored the goal that secured gold.
Trump previously spoke to Team USA ahead of last year’s 4 Nations final against Canada, when they lost to Canada amid heightened tensions between the two nations.
The historic goal from Hughes sparked bedlam in the arena in Milan on Sunday
‘We’re all proud Americans, obviously,’ captain Auston Matthews said on Sunday. ‘This is a huge moment for us. A huge moment for the United States. He called, just congratulated us.’
Matthews hinted that the team could visit the White House to celebrate their Winter Olympics victory. But with a blizzard back home – and the return of the NHL on Wednesday – that could prove tricky.
‘I think there’s a lot of moving parts as far as our travels back home. We’ll see what happens,’ Matthews said.
‘It’s an honor to wear this jersey and to represent the US. To go home with a gold medal. You know how much that means to guys in this room, to people watching and rooting us on too.’
