NHL Deletes 'Girl Dad' Post About Dylan Strome Amid Team USA Locker Room Controversy

Strome, a Canadian player for the Washington Capitals, was incorrectly linked to the Team USA men's hockey team's visit to the White House.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The NHL shared and then subsequently deleted a post about Washington Capitals player Dylan Strome after commenters incorrectly linked him to a controversy involving Team USA's men's hockey team. Strome, a Canadian center and father of three daughters, did not represent the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics and did not visit the White House with the American NHL players on Feb. 24.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the speed at which misinformation can spread on social media, with commenters quickly making incorrect associations between Strome and the Team USA controversy despite his lack of involvement. It also underscores the challenges athletes and their families can face when caught up in political narratives they did not choose to be a part of.

The details

The NHL shared a post celebrating Strome as the "ultimate girl dad" due to his three daughters, including a photo of him with his 2-year-old daughter Eme at Disney World. However, some commenters slammed Strome and the NHL, falsely implying that he was in the locker room with Team USA's men's hockey team when they were invited to the State of the Union address by former President Donald Trump. Strome, who is Canadian, did not represent the United States at the 2026 Olympics.

  • On Feb. 24, 2026, the NHL shared and then deleted the post about Strome.
  • On Feb. 22, 2026, Team USA's men's hockey team won the gold medal against Canada.
  • On Feb. 24, 2026, Team USA's men's hockey team was invited to the State of the Union address by former President Donald Trump.

The players

Dylan Strome

A 28-year-old Canadian center for the Washington Capitals who is a father of three daughters.

Tayler Strome

The wife of Dylan Strome, who issued a statement condemning the comments about her family.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who invited the Team USA men's hockey team to the State of the Union address.

Connor Hellebuyck

The goalie for Team USA's men's hockey team, who Trump announced would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

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What they’re saying

“We were placed into a narrative that we have absolutely nothing to do with, and we certainly did not choose to have our family used in it.”

— Tayler Strome, Wife of Dylan Strome (Instagram)

“The comments and messages about my TWO YEAR OLD DAUGHTER are some of the most vile and disgusting things I have ever read in my life. This isn't about politics. She is a child. Full stop. Do better.”

— Tayler Strome, Wife of Dylan Strome (Instagram)

What’s next

The NHL has not indicated whether they will address the incident further or take any action in response to the controversy.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for greater care and responsibility when sharing information on social media, as well as the potential consequences for athletes and their families when they are incorrectly associated with political narratives they are not involved in.