The U.S. men's Olympic hockey team received a thunderous welcome Tuesday night in the House Chamber during President Donald Trump's State of the Union address. Dressed in "USA" sweaters and wearing their gold medals, the athletes were introduced by the President, drawing a standing ovation and chants of "U-S-A" from lawmakers.
President Trump highlighted their overtime victory against Canada and announced that goaltender Connor Hellebuyck would be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Several players, who had traveled from Miami after their Winter Olympics triumph, met with the President at the White House prior to the speech. In a lighthearted moment, Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk allowed President Trump to briefly wear his gold medal.
The team's invitation to the State of the Union came shortly after their gold medal victory, facilitated by a special military transport arranged by the White House.