Mike Eruzione praises U.S. women’s hockey team for victory over Canada
Mike Eruzione, team captain of the 1980 U.S. men’s hockey team, talks about Olympic hockey and praises the U.S. women’s hockey team, which just won the gold medal.
President Donald Trump congratulated the U.S. men’s hockey team on its victory over Canada after the gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
“The players were wearing presidential clothes in the locker room. I don’t know what it was, what they called it, FaceTime or something, but in the locker room,” coach Mike Sullivan said Sunday. “He just spoke to the group and expressed how proud he was of the group and congratulated everyone on their win.”
During a locker room conference call with the team, President Trump invited the players to the State of the Union address and said they could tour the White House. He offered to transport the team on a military plane. In the middle of a conversation with the men’s hockey team, he briefly mentioned the U.S. women’s hockey team, which also defeated Canada in thrilling overtime during the Olympics to win the gold medal.
“I’m telling you, we’ve got to bring in a women’s team. You know that?” President Trump said. The president’s comment drew laughter from the locker room.
“I believe I will probably be impeached,” the president added.
A USA Hockey spokesperson said the women’s team received an invitation but will not be able to participate. They ultimately declined the president’s invitation.
“We sincerely appreciate the invitation to join the gold medal-winning U.S. women’s hockey team and are deeply grateful for the recognition of their extraordinary accomplishments,” the spokesperson said.
“Due to timing and academic and professional commitments scheduled after the Olympics, the athletes are unable to participate. They are honored to participate and grateful for the recognition.”
The Women’s Professional Hockey League will resume action on Thursday, Feb. 26, and the team’s college hockey players will play on Friday. The NHL season resumes on Wednesday.
