Trump Invites Team as Honored Guests to State of the Union

President Trump invited the US men's ice hockey team as honored guests to the State of the Union address on Tuesday night after their thrilling 2-1 overtime victory against Canada in the Olympic Gold Medal final.

During a celebratory call arranged by FBI Director Kash Patel directly from the US team's locker room, Donald Trump enthusiastically stated, "We're going to have the State of the Union speech on Tuesday night. I can send a military plane to pick you up. It's an amazing night."

One player responded, "We'll be there." Multiple voices echoed in agreement, "We'll be there."

Military Plane to Pick Up Team from Miami

When a player asked if the team could be picked up in Miami on Tuesday morning, President Trump replied that he would have Kash Patel and the military arrange it, adding that a perk of being president is not having to worry about weather or landings.

He also suggested the team visit the White House on Wednesday morning, after the speech, and emphasized the need to invite the women's team as well. The US women's team also defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime, completing a historic double gold medal.

President Trump joked that he might be impeached if he didn't invite the women's team, prompting laughter from the players.

Praises Goalie Hellebuyck for Stopping 41 of 42 Shots

Earlier in the call, he specifically praised goalie Connor Hellebuyck, who stopped 41 of Canada's 42 shots. "Your goalie didn't play badly at all," he said, calling the performance "unbelievable" and stating he wanted to shake his hand personally.

First Gold Medal Since 1980's Miracle on Ice

The victory marks the first time the US men's team has won an Olympic gold medal since the "Miracle on Ice" in 1980 in Lake Placid, New York. It is also the first time the US men's team has won an Olympic title on foreign soil since 1960.

NHL Schedule Could Affect Attendance

It is unclear how many players will be able to attend, as the National Hockey League (NHL) resumes play on Wednesday night after a 20-day break for the Olympics. Jack Hughes' New Jersey Devils, Hellebuyck's Winnipeg Jets, and US captain Auston Matthews' Toronto Maple Leafs all have games scheduled.

Matthews said after the celebration that returning would depend on travel schedules, but wearing the team jersey and representing the United States was a great honor.