The ceremony reflected a rare moment of cross-party unity in a polarized political climate. Lawmakers stood and applauded as the team entered, chanting “USA” while the president praised their achievement. Trump also said the women’s national hockey team would be honored at the White House soon, after they declined to attend the address due to scheduling.

The men’s team secured gold with a 2–1 overtime victory over Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics, a result widely seen as one of the program’s most significant achievements in decades.

White House recognition and Medal of Freedom announcement

During the State of the Union address, Trump singled out the players seated in the chamber’s gallery. The ovation lasted roughly two minutes, with members of Congress from both parties standing and applauding.

Trump announced that goaltender Connor Hellebuyck would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian honor. Hellebuyck, who stopped 41 shots in the gold medal game, acknowledged the applause with a hand over his heart.

The White House visit earlier in the day included a meeting in the Oval Office and photographs along the South Portico and West Wing colonnade. Administration aides shared images on social media showing players posing with their medals.

As the team approached the Oval Office, some players briefly stepped into the press office, displaying the gold medals earned in Milan. Trump greeted them individually, praising their performance and describing them as “special champions.”

A historic victory for U.S. men’s hockey

The win marked the first Olympic gold medal in men’s hockey for the United States since the “Miracle on Ice” at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. That 1980 victory over the Soviet Union remains one of the most iconic moments in U.S. sports history, and comparisons quickly followed after this year’s triumph.

The 2026 title came after a tightly contested tournament, culminating in the overtime defeat of Canada — a longstanding rival in international hockey. The result was celebrated by fans across the country and drew attention to the sport’s continued global appeal.

Forward Matthew Tkachuk, who has won back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Florida Panthers, described the White House visit as a familiar experience. He had visited previously following NHL championship seasons. For several teammates, however, this marked their first trip to Washington as Olympic champions.

The team traveled from Italy to the United States earlier in the week, arriving first in Miami before heading to Washington. Players were welcomed by fans at the airport and later gathered for team celebrations.

“Our sport just got the biggest stage in the world of sport,” Panthers general manager Bill Zito, who served as an assistant general manager for the Olympic squad, said Tuesday. “That’s wonderful. And we need to celebrate it.”

Women’s team to be honored separately

Trump confirmed that the U.S. women’s hockey team — which also defeated Canada to win gold — would receive a White House invitation in the near future. The women’s team had declined to attend the State of the Union due to timing constraints.

The acknowledgment of both teams underscores the prominence of ice hockey within the Winter Olympics and the broader national sports landscape. Olympic victories traditionally prompt White House visits, regardless of administration, reflecting a longstanding custom of honoring championship teams.

In recent years, such ceremonies have occasionally drawn political attention, but Tuesday’s events focused primarily on athletic achievement. Lawmakers across party lines applauded the players, highlighting a rare moment of consensus during a nationally televised address.

For the athletes, the recognition capped a whirlwind week that included international competition, travel across time zones, and celebrations at home. The gold medal victory in Milan will now stand alongside historic milestones in U.S. hockey history.

Source: AP News – US men’s hockey team feted at State of the Union; Trump says women’s team will be honored ‘soon’

The post US Men’s Hockey Team Honored at State of the Union After Olympic Gold appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

The Canadians, who had not trailed during group play, found themselves down by two goals early in the second period. Yet there was little sign of anxiety on the bench. Instead, Canada methodically increased pressure, outshooting Finland 31-8 over the final two periods and overturning the deficit in the closing stages.

The result moves Canada into Sunday’s gold-medal game and preserves the possibility of a North American final should the United States advance from the other semifinal.

MacKinnon delivers in final minute

With 35.2 seconds remaining in regulation, MacKinnon redirected a cross-ice pass from Connor McDavid on the power play, finding a narrow opening short side past Finnish goaltender Juuse Saros. The play survived a video review after Finland challenged for offside, confirming Canada’s late breakthrough.

“It was a five-man effort,” MacKinnon said, crediting McDavid’s pass and the traffic created in front of the net.

McDavid, wearing the captain’s “C” in the absence of the injured Sidney Crosby, assisted on two goals. His performance set a record for the most points by an NHL player at a single Olympic tournament, with 13.

Canada coach Jon Cooper said the team showed composure despite the early setback. “You could definitely feel the sense of calm,” McDavid added. “We understood we were in a tough spot, and we had to find a way to get out of it.”

Momentum turns after Finland’s early control

Finland opened the scoring and extended its lead when Erik Haula netted a shorthanded goal early in the second period. The Finnish side, known for its structured defensive system, slowed Canada’s transition game and limited space in the neutral zone during the opening stages.

But the momentum began to shift late in the second period when Sam Reinhart deflected a shot from Cale Makar past Saros with 4:40 remaining. The goal cut the deficit to 2-1 and injected urgency into Canada’s attack.

Shea Theodore tied the game midway through the third period with a long-range effort through traffic, following a net-front scramble involving Brad Marchand and Haula. From there, the pressure rarely relented.

Canada’s ability to sustain offensive zone time was evident in the shot totals. Finland managed only nine shots combined across the second and third periods, compared to Canada’s sustained barrage. While Saros kept Finland within reach, the weight of chances eventually proved decisive.

Leadership and depth on display

Canada’s comeback came without Crosby, who left Wednesday’s quarterfinal with an apparent right knee injury. Cooper said a decision on Crosby’s availability for the final would be made closer to game time.

Even without their long-time captain, Canada leaned on experience and depth. McDavid assumed leadership responsibilities, while younger players also played prominent roles.

Nineteen-year-old Macklin Celebrini, the youngest player on Canada’s roster, registered eight shots on goal, nearly matching Finland’s total over the final two periods combined. His willingness to shoot disrupted Finland’s defensive structure and created second-chance opportunities.

“We’re a deep team with leaders all up and down the lineup,” McDavid said. “It doesn’t matter who’s wearing the ‘C.’ Everybody can play a big role.”

The semifinal marked the second consecutive game in which Canada rallied from behind, having also faced adversity in the quarterfinals against Czechia. Players said those earlier tests may have contributed to the composed response against Finland.

Gold-medal matchup awaits

The victory sets up Canada’s appearance in Sunday’s gold-medal game, where it could face the United States if the Americans overcome Slovakia in the second semifinal.

An all-North American final would echo last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off championship meeting between Canada and the United States, renewing one of international hockey’s most closely watched rivalries. However, Canada’s focus remains on recovery and preparation after a physically demanding semifinal.

For Finland, the defeat ends a disciplined tournament run highlighted by structured team defense and strong goaltending. Saros, in particular, delivered a resilient performance despite the late outcome.

For Canada, the message after Friday’s rally was clear: patience and depth remain its defining strengths. Against an opponent built on structure and precision, Canada relied on composure and high-end execution at critical moments — enough to extend its pursuit of Olympic gold.

Source: AP News – Nathan MacKinnon scores late as Canada beats Finland to reach the Olympic gold-medal game

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