Team USA Makes Final Decision on White House Visit After Gold Medal Win Over Canada
The United States brought home the gold medal in both the women's and men's tournaments - with both wins coming by a 2-1 score and the Americans delivering an overtime winner against Canada.
For the women's team, it was in desperate need of a comeback in the final minutes of regulation when captain and recently-engaged Hilary Knight tipped home a goal with just over two minutes left in the third period. Megan Keller went on to score the game-winning goal in overtime and raved about her captain afterword.
“She’s the leader of our group, the heartbeat,” Keller said after scoring to deliver the United States its third women’s gold and first since 2018. “She’s been the face of U.S. women’s hockey for years. She’s got the records to prove it, the gold medals. We don’t get here without her. I can’t say enough great things about her, and to cap off her Olympic career in this fashion, just so happy for her.”
(Photo by Dennis Pajot/Getty Images)
Is the United States Team Headed to the White House?
Champions of professional sports, national teams and college athletics often receive an invitation to the White House for a visit with the president to honor their accomplishments in their respective arena. The same was true for the women's hockey team, which revealed its choice on Monday.
The United States women's hockey team officially decided against going to the White House, despite receiving an invitation.
"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 Team USA 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."
An official word from the men's team has not been announced.
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