US Women's Hockey Players Joke About Men's Team on SNL After Trump Controversy

Players from both Olympic gold medal-winning teams appeared together amid recent political backlash.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 9:55pm

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Players from the U.S. men's and women's Olympic gold medal-winning hockey teams appeared together on "Saturday Night Live" amid recent controversy over President Donald Trump's comments about inviting both teams to the State of the Union. The women's players, including Hilary Knight and Megan Keller, made light of the situation and cracked jokes about the men's team, while the men's players, including Jack and Quinn Hughes, expressed their respect and support for the women's accomplishments.

Why it matters

The appearance on SNL highlights the ongoing rivalry and tensions between the U.S. men's and women's hockey teams, which were exacerbated by President Trump's comments. The controversy has sparked debates about gender equality in sports and the recognition given to women's athletic achievements.

The details

During the SNL skit, Hilary Knight referenced Trump's joke about having to invite the women's team too, saying "It was going to be just us, but we thought we'd invite the guys, too." The women's players also made a jab about the men's team's long drought between gold medals. In response, the men's players expressed their support and pride for the women's team, with Jack Hughes saying they attended the women's games and celebrated their success.

  • The men's and women's teams appeared together on "Saturday Night Live" in March 2026.
  • The controversy stemmed from President Trump's comments following the men's team's gold medal win in 2022.

The players

Hilary Knight

A player on the U.S. women's Olympic hockey team.

Megan Keller

A player on the U.S. women's Olympic hockey team.

Jack Hughes

A player on the U.S. men's Olympic hockey team.

Quinn Hughes

A player on the U.S. men's Olympic hockey team.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who made controversial comments about the men's and women's hockey teams.

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What they’re saying

“It was going to be just us, but we thought we'd invite the guys, too.”

— Hilary Knight, U.S. Women's Hockey Player

“Nice burn. These gold medals aren't just for us, they're for all hockey fans.”

— Jack Hughes, U.S. Men's Hockey Player

“We are hanging out with them so much, the women's team. We were supporting them. Like, we were at their games, they were at our games.”

— Jack Hughes, U.S. Men's Hockey Player

“I thought it was sort of a distasteful joke, and, unfortunately, that is overshadowing a lot of the success, the success of just women at the Olympics carrying for Team USA and having amazing gold medal feats.”

— Hilary Knight, U.S. Women's Hockey Captain

What’s next

The U.S. men's and women's hockey teams are expected to continue their rivalry and support for one another as they prepare for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing need for greater gender equality and recognition of women's sports achievements, even among elite athletes on the same national team. The players' camaraderie and mutual support, despite the political controversy, serves as an inspiring example of sportsmanship and unity.