President Donald Trump delivered a personal message of congratulations to Team USA’s men’s hockey team following their dramatic gold medal victory at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The outreach came moments after the Americans secured a thrilling 2–1 overtime win against Canada in the championship final on February 22, sealing a milestone triumph on international ice.
According to team officials, Trump connected with players and staff through a video call described as either a FaceTime or group chat while the team celebrated inside the locker room. The unexpected presidential appearance added another emotional layer to an already unforgettable night for American hockey.
A Locker Room Call After Overtime Drama
The gold medal game was a tightly contested battle that extended into overtime before Team USA clinched victory. The win marked the country’s first Olympic gold in men’s hockey since the famed 1980 triumph in Lake Placid — often referred to as the “Miracle on Ice.”
Head coach Mike Sullivan said the president addressed the team collectively, offering praise and encouragement. “He just spoke to the group expressing how proud he was of the group and congratulating everybody on the win,” Sullivan told reporters.
Team captain Auston Matthews confirmed the outreach in brief remarks, stating, “He called and just congratulated us.” Players were seen smiling and cheering during the call, reflecting the celebratory mood following the high-stakes victory.
A Historic Victory on Olympic Ice
The championship win over Canada carried both competitive and symbolic weight. The rivalry between the two hockey powerhouses is among the fiercest in international sport, and overtime finishes in Olympic finals are rare and dramatic.
For American fans, the gold medal revived memories of the 1980 squad that stunned the world. While this year’s roster entered the tournament as strong contenders, the narrow margin of victory underscored the intensity of the matchup.
The 2026 tournament, staged in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, has been widely praised for its atmosphere and organization. The men’s hockey final quickly became one of the defining moments of the Games.
Tributes and Emotional Resonance
The victory also carried emotional significance beyond the scoreboard. Throughout the tournament, players paid tribute to the late Johnny Gaudreau, honoring his legacy and influence on U.S. hockey. Some fans have already dubbed the championship run the “Milan Miracle,” a nod to both the location and the team’s perseverance.
Observers noted that the combination of national pride, rivalry, and remembrance made the moment particularly powerful for players and supporters alike.
Trump Amplifies Praise on Social Media
Following the call, Trump highlighted the team’s accomplishment on Truth Social, writing: “Congratulations to our great U.S.A. Ice Hockey team. THEY WON THE GOLD. WOW! LOTS OF WINNING!!! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
The message quickly circulated across social platforms, drawing reactions from supporters and sports fans who celebrated the team’s achievement.
While presidential congratulations to championship teams are not uncommon, the immediacy of the locker room call underscored the national spotlight surrounding the win. For Team USA, the gold medal — and the recognition that followed — capped off a night destined for the history books.