President Trump on Tuesday honored the gold-medal winning Men’s USA hockey team and pledged to award their star goalie, Connor Hellebuyck, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor.
The Olympic hockey team entered the House chamber in the viewing gallery amid loud cheers and chants of “USA! USA!” as both Democrats and Republicans stood and gave the team a standing ovation.
The players flashed their gold medals and waved to the crowd as the cheers lasted several minutes.
“That’s the first time I’ve ever seen them get up,” Mr. Trump joked, referring to Democrats’ refusal to stand and applaud his policies during the State of the Union speech.
Mr. Trump also announced that he will present Hellebuyck the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Hellebuyck blocked 41 shots during the team’s 2-1 overtime victory over Canada to capture the gold medal.
“I thought he deserved it,” Mr. Trump said, adding that he polled the goalie’s teammates and they unanimously agreed that he deserved it.
Mr. Trump also said the Women’s USA hockey team, which also won the gold medal by beating the Canadian team in overtime, will soon visit the White House.
The team said Monday that they had declined Mr. Trump’s invitation to the State of the Union.
“We are sincerely grateful for the invitation extended to our gold medal-winning U.S. Women’s Hockey Team and deeply appreciate the recognition of their extraordinary achievement,” a USA Hockey spokesperson said in a statement. “Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate.
“They were honored to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment.”
• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.
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