Neither a historic blizzard nor a late night of drinking in Miami could stop Team USA from getting to Washington DC to celebrate their first Olympic gold medal in men’s hockey since 1980.
Jack Hughes, Connor Hellebuyck & Co. took off Tuesday morning from South Florida aboard a US Air Force 757, which was sent to bring the gold medalists to Washington by none other than Donald Trump. The President had previously promised to fly the American hockey stars to Washington to celebrate their Olympic success.
By Tuesday afternoon, the grinning, sleep-deprived gold medalists were pictured on the White House’s front lawn.
But not every member of Team USA is on hand. Forward Jake Guentzel is scheduled to play for the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday against the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs. For that matter, Team USA and Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews is also slated to play in that game, but did make the trip to the White House on Tuesday.
It’s unclear which players, if any, will be on hand for Tuesday’s State of the Union Address.
Of course, staying awake until Trump’s speech won’t be easy, given Team USA’s recent schedule.
Members of Team USA are pictured outside the White House on Tuesday afternoon
Team USA is seen boarding an Air Force 757 to head to Washington to celebrate their success
Team USA goalie Connor Hellebuyck is pictured by teammate Dylan Larkin aboard the 757
As seen in video and photographs obtained by the Daily Mail, the American men left their South Beach hotel for the nation’s capital at 9am on Tuesday despite returning to their rooms just five hours earlier.
Several Team USA stars, including Buffalo’s Tage Thompson and Toronto’s Matthews were spotted in matching Team USA sweaters and blue Nikes. Most importantly, the players had their Olympic gold medals and some sorely needed coffee.
Since landing in Miami on Monday, after their flight was diverted to South Florida by snowstorms along the Atlantic Coast, Team USA stars checked into 1 Hotel South Beach and promptly went up to the rooftop pool, where they took photos with fans and enjoyed a few beers.
Hours later they were spotted smoking cigars in the 1 Hotel lobby before heading out for a night in Miami Beach, where onlookers were gathered to catch a glimpse of the gold medalists. As the Daily Mail has learned, there was even a crowd of supporters outside the hotel as the players boarded a double-decker bus for their evening festivities.
From there, the players enjoyed dinner at COTE Miami followed by a few drinks at E11EVEN Miami.
By 4am, the players were back at their hotel before doing their best to be out by 9am for their departing flight to Washington and a meeting with President Donald Trump.
Tage Thompson, Clayton Keller, Jake Guentzel and Auston Matthews at 1 Hotel South Beach
Jack Hughes is pictured sharing his beer with some onlookers in Miami with his brother, Quinn, standing behind him. The team was celebrating their gold medal victory at E11EVEN Miami
As previously reported by the Daily Mail, players sprayed champagne over themselves and revelers, smoked cigars and sang ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ at E11EVEN.
When asked if the players are jet lagged, a source told Daily Mail: ‘F*** no. They’re hockey players. They get their teeth banged out. They’re on adrenaline and on a high.’
Footage and images captured from inside E11EVEN by Daily Mail shows the players letting loose as the DJ blasted out Americana and country music.
It’s understood the festivities led to a $150,000 bar bill with vast amounts of E11EVEN Vodka, Armand de Brignac champagne and Dame Más tequila consumed. Players could be seen pouring booze into fans’ mouths as they danced from the stage above.
At one stage, they played a replay of Hughes’ iconic overtime goal that secured victory against the Canadians. The clip was greeted with huge roars from the crowd inside the club.
Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who stopped 41 shots in a remarkable individual performance against the Canadians, was given the microphone to address the crowd.
Larkin shares a beer with former Detroit and Team USA defenseman, Chris Chelios (inset)
Red Wings star Dylan Larkin enjoys a beer and some champagne while partying in Miami
Jack Hughes, Dylan Larkin and Brady Tkachuk are seen partying in Miami with their medals
Team USA hockey stars partied hard at E11EVEN nightclub in Miami on Monday night (pictured L-R: Zach Werenski, Brock Faber, Charlie McAvoy, Brady Tkachuk, unidentified player in light blue sweatshirt, Matthew Tkachuk and Dylan Larkin)
Hockey fans gathered outside Team USA’s South Beach hotel to catch a glimpse of the stars
L-R: Brady Tkachuk, golden goal hero Jack Hughes and Matthew Tkachuk celebrate in Miami
Matthew Tkachuk pours alcohol on fans as Zach Werenski stands with his arms spread open
Florida Panthers star and two-time Stanley Cup winner Matthew Tkachuk from a familiar view
Matthew Tkachuk (L) and Connor Hellebuyck (center) are paraded through the streets
Jack Hughes flashes a toothless grin atop a party bus in the streets of Miami
Heroic goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (L), seen on stage wearing a cowboy hat on Monday
After getting a wild reception, the crowd started chanting ‘Helle, Helle!’
He replied to them: ‘Are we having a good time tonight?
‘Can I get a round of applause for my teammates? They battled so hard. Every single guy in here.
‘Every detail mattered this entire trip. We did this not only for us, we wanted to bring gold to you guys. We want to celebrate the US f***ing A. So enjoy this one with us tonight. We’re having a good time. I know you’re having a good time. This is for the USA.’
The players finally started to depart the nightclub around 3am ET.
