Hilary Knight, captain of the U.S. Women’s hockey team, has called for a shift in focus back to her team’s Olympic success after what she described as “distasteful and unfortunate” comments made by President Donald Trump.
The American women’s team dominated throughout the recent Winter Olympics, achieving an undefeated run and outscoring their opponents 33-2. Their only real challenge came in the final game against a determined Canadian team, which they ultimately won 2-1 in overtime. Though, the celebration of their victory was partially overshadowed by remarks made by Trump following the U.S. Men’s hockey team’s overtime win against Canada on Sunday.
A video circulating online showed Trump congratulating the men’s team and extending a White House invitation. He then added, “I must share you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do realize that.” Laughter followed the statement, with one person audibly exclaiming, “two for two.” Trump responded with, “I do believe I probably would be impeached, OK?” which prompted further laughter.
Knight, who also captains the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s (PWHL) Seattle Torrent, publicly responded to Trump’s comments on Wednesday. “I just thought the joke was distasteful and unfortunate,” she said. “And I think just the way women are represented, it’s a great teaching point to really shine light on how women should be championed for their amazing feats. Now I have to sit, or anybody has to sit, in front of you and explain someone else’s behaviour. It’s not my responsibility.”
The U.S. Women’s team ultimately declined an invitation to the White House, citing scheduling conflicts with their professional and collegiate seasons. Melissa Katz, a spokesperson for USA Hockey, confirmed to CBC Sports that the players are currently focused on their commitments with their respective teams and will consider future opportunities as their schedules allow. Trump, however, suggested on Tuesday that members of the women’s team would be visiting the White House “soon,” though no such plans are currently in place.
While the White House invitation generated controversy, the team has also received support from unexpected sources. Rapper Flava Flav invited the team to Las Vegas after the video of Trump’s call went viral. Forward Alex Carpenter stated on Wednesday that Flav is “probably my most texted person right now,” expressing appreciation for his support.
The American team’s success was driven by a combination of veteran leadership and emerging talent. Defenders Caroline Harvey and Laila Edwards, along with forward Abbey Murphy, are expected to be high picks in the upcoming PWHL draft. Harvey was named Olympic MVP and best defender, tying for the tournament lead in points with nine. Edwards registered eight points and became the first Black American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in hockey.
Harvey and Edwards downplayed the impact of Trump’s comments, emphasizing their focus on the team’s achievement. “It’s not something we’re focused on or really thinking about,” Harvey said at a University of Wisconsin press conference. Edwards added, “What happened is something we had no control over. We take so much pride in what we did and we love our group that we’re not going to let anything take that from us.”
Veteran Hilary Knight, competing in her fifth and final Olympics, scored the goal that forced overtime in the gold medal game against Canada, setting a new record for Olympic goals and points by an American player. Megan Keller, an assistant captain, scored the overtime winner. Knight reiterated her desire to refocus attention on the team’s accomplishments. “Granted, the men’s and the women’s team did it together,” Knight said. “That is super special. It’s never been done in our program’s history. It’s something we’re extremely proud about. But these women are amazing, and whatever’s going on should never outshine or minimize their work and our success on the world stage.”
The disparity in travel arrangements between the men’s and women’s teams also drew attention. The U.S. Men’s team travelled on charter flights organized by the NHLPA, including a stop in Miami for a celebration before arriving in Washington, D.C. Members of the U.S. Women’s team, however, were booked on commercial flights through the U.S. Olympic Committee, with a layover in Atlanta due to a storm in New York City. Forward Taylor Heise posted a screenshot on Instagram showing her journey home taking over 24 hours. Knight also shared a photo of herself arriving home with her luggage just before 2 a.m. On Tuesday.
These travel differences highlight a long-standing issue of inequity in the sport, a cause Knight has championed for years. In 2017, she was part of a group of American players who threatened to boycott the world championship to advocate for “equitable support” from USA Hockey, addressing disparities in financial compensation, youth development, equipment, travel, and marketing. The team reached a settlement with USA Hockey and went on to win the championship.
Knight was also instrumental in the creation of the PWHL, advocating for a professional league that would treat women players equitably. Retired U.S. Women’s soccer player Megan Rapinoe, attending a press conference celebrating Knight and her teammates, voiced her support, stating, “I think everybody who watched that clip or saw that moment said, hell no. You might not be for everybody. Whatever. But you’re for us. You’re ours here in Seattle. You’re ours here in America.”
