Team USA Olympic hockey hero Jack Hughes addressed his strong support for the nation's women's hockey team, pushing back against criticism his team faced for laughing at a joke by President Donald Trump.
Speaking on ESPN's "The Pat McAfee Show," Hughes emphasized the camaraderie and mutual support between the men's and women's teams. "We were hanging out with them so much... We were supporting them. Like, we were at their games, they were at our games," Hughes stated, countering claims that his team disrespected the women.
He highlighted his personal attendance at the women's gold medal game, stating, "Me and Quinn Hughes were at the game. We were at the game until like overtime ended on the glass, and we were jumping up and down so excited for these girls." Hughes noted that many of his teammates also attended women's games, underscoring their pride in the team's gold medal victory.
Hughes recalled a significant moment with U.S. women's team player Megan Keller after her gold medal win, sharing a hug and expressing his pride. He also mentioned a subsequent photo taken with Keller, who reciprocated the positive sentiment.
The controversy stemmed from a locker room interaction where players laughed at a joke made by Trump regarding the women's team. This incident drew condemnation from some media outlets and figures, including women's hockey captain Hilary Knight, who felt the remark overshadowed the team's achievements.
Hughes' mother, Ellen, a former Team USA player and staff member, echoed the sentiment that the team's focus was on unity and national pride.