US Hockey Star Matthew Tkachuk Reflects on 'Special' State of Union Honour
USA hockey star Matthew Tkachuk has opened up about the 'special' experience of attending the State of the Union address with his gold-medal winning teammates. The US men's hockey team was honoured by former President Donald Trump on Tuesday night, receiving an invitation to his address to Congress following their dramatic triumph over Canada in the Winter Olympics gold-medal match.
A Rousing Reception in the House Chamber
The Olympic champions were given a rousing introduction into the House chamber at the Capitol by the president, prompting wild 'USA' chants from attendees. Republicans and most others in the chamber gave the gold medal winners a standing ovation, though a handful of Democrats notably refrained from participating. However, even the frosty reception from Trump's political rivals could not mar the experience for Tkachuk.
'I'm gonna be honest, I was chanting USA myself - like I've never done that before. I don't think in my life other than like another sports event,' the forward, a two-time Stanley Cup winner with the Florida Panthers, told Fox's Sean Hannity. 'It was so cool. I came out holding the gold medal,' he added, noting that Hannity wore the medal during the interview and joked, 'I'm not giving it back.'
Tkachuk continued: 'It was really cool to walk down and hold the gold medal and chant USA and see everybody standing and applauding. It was a really special moment for myself and my teammates. We felt the love and support ever since we've stepped foot back in the US.'
Team USA's Memorable Visit to Washington DC
Led by goalscoring hero Jack Hughes and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, the men's players entered the House chamber through two sets of doors and walked down the rows of the press gallery. Republicans cheered and chanted 'USA!' several times, with many pumping fists in excitement. Lisa McClain, the Republican House Conference Chair, even shouted 'Love you!' to the players.
The experience became particularly special when Trump announced he would be awarding the nation's highest honour. During the celebrations, Trump revealed he was awarding Hellebuyck, who remarkably saved 41 of 42 shots in the 2-1 overtime win over Canada, the Presidential Medal of Freedom following a vote by the players.
Trump said: 'They beat a fantastic Canadian team in overtime, as everybody saw. As did the American women, who will soon be coming to the White House. They were in the Oval Office before and I just want to say a second big congratulations to Team USA. We took a vote and I said "if anybody votes no, I'm not doing it." They said they weren't about to say no because they've never seen a goaltender play as well as Connor Hellebuyck.'
He added: 'I asked him, "the one shot where you put your stick in the back and it hit the neck of your stick and bounced off, did you practice that or was it a little lucky? He refused to answer that question. But I just want to tell you that the members of this great hockey squad will be very happy to hear, based on their vote and my vote and in this case my vote was more important, that I will soon be presenting Connor with our highest civilian honour which is the Presidential Medal of Freedom. What a special job you did. What special champions you are. Thank you very much.'
A Day of Celebrations and Political Moments
The men's team spent Tuesday in Washington DC after being invited by Trump in a celebratory locker room phone call that has since divided America. Following a riotous night of celebrating in Miami, the team flew to Washington DC on Tuesday morning, meeting Trump in the Oval Office as he prepared to deliver his State of the Union address.
There were 20 members of the 25-man Winter Olympics roster in Washington DC, with five choosing to skip the trip. Tkachuk was one player whom Trump recognized instantly as the team filtered into the Oval Office. As a back-to-back Stanley Cup champion, Tkachuk was making his third White House trip in just over 12 months.
'There's my friend,' Trump told the elder Tkachuk brother. 'You've come a long way since I last saw you.'
Videos and photos shared on social media by Trump administration aides documented their trip, showing hockey team members posing for a photograph in front of the South Portico. They walked along the West Wing colonnade where Trump has posted portraits of every U.S. president, just steps away from the Oval Office where they were welcomed.
As they approached the Oval Office, some players popped into the press office's open door to flash the medals from their 2-1 overtime win over Canada on Sunday. This victory marked the Americans' first gold medal in men's hockey since the 'Miracle on Ice' group won in Lake Placid, New York, in 1980. Staffers applauded and shouted, 'We love you!' in a fitting tribute to the champions.
