Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Feb 25: President Donald Trump introduced members of the Olympic champion U.S. men’s hockey team during his State of the Union address on Tuesday, hailing their gold-medal victory as proof that the country is “winning so much.”

The team entered the House chamber from the press gallery and received a standing ovation from both Republicans and Democrats. Trump quipped that it was the “first time I’ve ever seen them get up,” drawing laughter from the audience.

“But they beat a fantastic Canadian team in overtime, as everybody saw,” Trump said, referring to the United States’ 2-1 win over Canada in Sunday’s final. He added that the American women’s team, which also clinched gold, would soon be invited to the White House.

Trump announced he would award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to team goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, praising his performance in the championship game. Hellebuyck made 41 saves in the final to secure the victory.

“I’ve never seen a goaltender play as well as that,” Trump said. “What a special job you did. What special champions you are.”

Earlier in the day, the players met Trump in the Oval Office and posed for photographs with their medals at the White House, according to images shared by communications adviser Margo Martin.

Later Tuesday evening, team members were seen at the U.S. Capitol taking photos with House Speaker Mike Johnson, who had indicated lawmakers would “squeeze in” the champions during the address.

Twenty players attended the White House event, with a few absent due to prior commitments as NHL games are set to resume Wednesday. A White House official said the administration coordinated logistics to ensure as many team members as possible could attend the speech.

The appearance marked a celebratory moment during the annual address, with bipartisan applause recognising the team’s achievement on the international stage.