Washington — The U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team — fresh off a historic 2-1 overtime gold medal win against Canada at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, their first Olympic title in 46 years — arrived in Washington, D.C. Tuesday ahead of a series of celebratory events culminating in tonight’s State of the Union address. The trip comes after a raucous return to American soil that included stopovers in Florida.
The Americans’ gold-medal triumph featured an overtime winner from Jack Hughes, who scored just 1:41 into 3-on-3 play, and a standout performance from goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who stopped 41 of 42 shots in the final. The victory marked only the second time the U.S. men have won Olympic hockey gold outside of home soil since the iconic Miracle on Ice at the 1980 Lake Placid Games.
After leaving Miami on Tuesday, the gold-medal squad touched down at Joint Base Andrews, where players shared photos of their travels and celebrations. The itinerary has included a White House visit upon arrival in the nation’s capital and a planned honor at the State of the Union this evening, a rare recognition that blends sport with national celebration for these Olympic champions.
The team’s trip from Miami to Washington followed lively celebrations in Florida, where social media accounts showed players enjoying their historic achievement with friends and family before shifting focus to their duties in the capital. Throughout, the mood has remained upbeat, rooted in pride over their achievement and excitement to represent their country in front of lawmakers and fans.
Forward Jack Hughes, the architect of the gold-clinching goal and one of the most recognizable faces on the roster, has addressed some of the recent public commentary surrounding the team’s celebrations and itinerary. He reaffirmed that the players are “proud to represent the U.S.” and noted that visits to national institutions like the White House are an honor for athletes who have achieved the highest pinnacle in their sport.
Tonight’s State of the Union address — where the hockey champions are expected to be recognized as guests of honor — caps a whirlwind week for a team that has captured the attention of the country. The U.S. men’s team beat Canada in back-to-back Olympic finals this cycle, with the U.S. women’s team also earning gold in a thrilling overtime victory earlier in the tournament. Though the women’s squad declined the invitation due to prior academic and professional commitments, they remain celebrated across the sport and nation.
For this group of U.S. hockey heroes, the trip to Washington isn’t about politics — it’s about patriots in sweaters, sticks and skates being honored for a rare and unforgettable moment in American sports history.
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