Shortly after securing the Olympic men’s hockey gold medal on Sunday, the U.S. team had a special visitor in their locker room. Even more remarkable was a phone call from a very prominent figure congratulating them.
Following America’s first gold medal in men’s hockey since 1980, the team celebrated with the enthusiastic participation of FBI Director Kash Patel, who is also a passionate hockey fan.
“We have a State of the Union address on Tuesday night. We can send in military aircraft,” he said during the celebration.
In the locker room, Patel placed a call to President Donald Trump, who chatted with the players for a few minutes, offering them an exciting opportunity.
President Trump joked about the goaltender’s performance, saying it was “not bad.”
“How are you doing, Don?” replied goalie Connor Hellebuyck.
The president’s humorous offer followed: “We’re giving the State of the Union on Tuesday night. We can send in military aircraft. …If you want, this is the coolest night.”
The whole hockey team expressed their eagerness to participate.
Trump commented, “The good thing about being president is you don’t have to worry about the weather or the landing. We don’t care if it’s snowing or the worst snowstorm.” He playfully mentioned the women’s team, saying, “I have to say, we have to bring the women’s team, you know that,” reminding everyone that they also won gold. He joked that not inviting them could lead to “probably getting you impeached.”
After the conversation, the president congratulated the men’s team once more, saying, “You will be proud of that game for 50 years. … I’m going to shake everybody’s hand, but I got to shake that goalkeeper’s hand.”
Patel faced some criticism for being in the locker room, but he stood by his actions, stating on social media, “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 this historic moment with the boys in the greatest country on earth and the greatest sport on earth.”
President Trump also took to Truth Social to congratulate the team, stating, “Congratulations to the amazing USA Ice Hockey Team. They won the gold medal. Wow!”
