U.S. Women’s Hockey Star Says State of the Union Absence Was Due to Scheduling, Not Trump Joke

Olympic gold medalist Kelly Pannek says the U.S. women’s hockey team missed President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address because of prior commitments, pushing back against speculation that the decision was tied to controversy over the president’s remarks about the team.

Speaking Tuesday during practice in Minneapolis, Pannek told CBS News the team’s absence was driven by logistics, not politics.

“I know, like, later on, there’ll be a full invite for all Team USA athletes to go to the White House like there has been in the past,” Pannek said.

She added that the team hopes any White House visit would highlight their historic achievement.

“We want it to be about how great of an experience it was for us,” she said. “Having team gold medals come out of USA Hockey. It’s something we’ve never done before.”

Olympic Gold for Both Teams, Different Celebrations

Both the U.S. men’s and women’s hockey teams won gold medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, each defeating Canada 2–1 in overtime — a rare sweep for American hockey on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

But their returns home were marked by sharply different receptions.

The men’s team received a high-profile celebration in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Air Force flew the players from Miami to Joint Base Andrews, followed by a White House visit with Trump. The team was also recognized during the president’s State of the Union address before Congress, drawing extended applause.

During his speech, Trump announced he would award U.S. goalie Connor Hellebuyck the Presidential Medal of Freedom — the nation’s highest civilian honor — crediting his performance with helping secure the men’s first Olympic gold medal since the iconic 1980 “Miracle on Ice” team.

Women’s Team Cites Prior Commitments

The women’s team, meanwhile, did not attend the address.

A team spokesperson said earlier this week that players had “previously scheduled academic and professional commitments.” Many athletes had already returned to their professional and college teams, reflecting the structure of women’s hockey in the United States, where many Olympians compete in college programs or professional leagues that resume quickly after international tournaments.

Pannek confirmed that explanation Tuesday, emphasizing the team’s packed schedule following the Olympics.

Trump’s Joke Sparked Debate

The scheduling decision came after Trump made remarks about the women’s team during a video call with the men’s team on Sunday, shortly after their gold medal victory.

While congratulating the players, Trump said he would bring them to Washington and added jokingly, “I must tell you, we’re gonna have to bring the women’s team, you do know that?” The comment drew laughter from players in the locker room.

Trump then joked that he would “probably be impeached” if he did not invite the women’s team as well.

The exchange prompted discussion among fans and commentators about respect and recognition for women’s sports, which in the United States have long fought for equal visibility despite major international success.

Men’s Team Expresses Support for Women’s Team

U.S. men’s backup goalie Jeremy Swayman later said his team regretted how they reacted in the moment.

“We know that we are so excited for the women’s team, we have so much respect for the women’s team,” Swayman told reporters. “To share that gold medal with them is something that we’re forever grateful for.”

Pannek echoed those sentiments, stressing the close bond between the two squads during the Olympics.

“It really did feel like that — full Team USA,” she said. “That’s part of the great thing about being at the Olympics.”

A Historic Moment for USA Hockey

The dual gold medals represent a milestone for USA Hockey, underscoring the country’s dominance in international competition and the continued growth of women’s hockey.

While the men’s and women’s teams marked their victories differently in the days after returning home, players say their shared accomplishment remains the focus.

In the coming months, athletes from both teams are expected to participate in traditional White House celebrations honoring Olympic champions — a longstanding American tradition that transcends political administrations.

For Pannek and her teammates, the priority remains ensuring their historic win is remembered for what happened on the ice, not off it.

William Faulkner

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