U.S. Men's Hockey Team Honored at State of the Union

Players receive standing ovation, medal of freedom announcement

Feb. 25, 2026 at 4:23am

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The Olympic gold medal-winning U.S. men's hockey team was honored at the State of the Union address, receiving a standing ovation from both parties as they entered the House chamber. President Trump also announced that goalie Connor Hellebuyck will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.

Why it matters

The U.S. men's hockey team's gold medal victory at the Milan Cortina Olympics was a major accomplishment, marking the first time the U.S. has won gold in men's hockey since the "Miracle on Ice" in 1980. The bipartisan recognition and honors at the State of the Union highlight the team's achievement and the unifying power of sports.

The details

Prior to the State of the Union, the hockey team visited the White House and posed for photos in front of the South Portico. As they entered the House chamber, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle stood and cheered, chanting "USA!" and even shouting "Love you!" to the players. Trump also announced that the women's hockey team, who also won gold, will soon visit the White House.

  • The U.S. men's hockey team defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime to win the gold medal at the Milan Cortina Olympics on Sunday, February 23, 2026.
  • The team visited the White House on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.
  • The State of the Union address took place on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Connor Hellebuyck

The U.S. men's hockey team's goalie, who stopped 41 shots in the gold medal game. Hellebuyck will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.

Matthew Tkachuk

A forward on the U.S. men's hockey team, who has now made three White House visits in just over 12 months as a back-to-back Stanley Cup champion with the Florida Panthers.

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What they’re saying

“I want to thank you all. What a special job you did. What special champions you are.”

— President Donald Trump

“Good to see you again.”

— Matthew Tkachuk, Forward, U.S. Men's Hockey Team

What’s next

The women's hockey team, which also won gold, will soon visit the White House.

The takeaway

The U.S. men's hockey team's gold medal victory and subsequent honors at the State of the Union demonstrate the unifying power of sports and the national pride felt for their historic achievement, the first U.S. men's hockey gold since the "Miracle on Ice" in 1980.