USA Hockey Team Celebrates Historic Gold Medal Win

Following their momentous gold medal victory, the U.S. hockey team received a congratulatory phone call from President Donald Trump and enjoyed some celebrations with FBI Director Kash Patel.

After their exciting 2-1 overtime win against Canada in Milan-Cortina on Sunday, it was revealed that Patel joined the team in their locker room celebration. This came to light when a video surfaced online, showing him drinking and spraying beer as the players sang Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the USA,” clearly having a great time with cheers and excitement all around.

Matthew Tkachuk, one of the U.S. forwards, even put a gold medal around Patel’s neck during the festivities.

In a post on his X account, Patel remarked, “To the very concerned media – yes, I love America and was extremely humbled when my newly minted friends from Team USA invited me into their locker room to celebrate with the boys this historic moment in the greatest country on Earth and the greatest sport on Earth.”

Patel, a known hockey enthusiast, shared a photo with the team that displayed him alongside standout players like overtime hero Jack Hughes and the Tkachuk brothers, all while wearing a white USA shirt. In another image, he posed proudly with an American flag among the players, some of whom celebrated behind him with their coach, Mike Sullivan.

He expressed his admiration further in another post, stating, “Unity, sacrifice, attitude – what it takes to be the best in the world. These guys live and breathe it. Team USA is now a gold medal champion and a legend standing on the shoulders of giants. Thank you for representing the best country on earth in the greatest game of all time. Congratulations, boys.”

Amidst the celebrations, FBI Deputy Director of Public Affairs Ben Williamson mentioned that Patel’s trip to Italy was pre-planned and not a personal one. The trip included meetings with Italian law enforcement, U.S. Ambassador Tillam Fertitta, and Leggatt staff.

He also noted that Patel would cover some personal expenses after facing criticism for attending and celebrating with the team.

This win marks the first Olympic gold for the United States since the famed “Miracle on Ice” victory in 1980 and their third overall.

A video from the White House’s Rapid Response account captured the moment Patel held the phone for Trump to congratulate the team, with coach Mike Sullivan sharing, “He expressed how proud he was to be a part of the group and congratulated everyone on their win. Obviously, this game was an inspiration for our country in many ways.” Sullivan added that he received numerous emails about the morning watch party, highlighting how engaged the nation was, including the president.