Since the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics have come to a close, we can reflect on the games, events and sportsmanship on display. Or can we?

The United States men’s Olympic hockey team played Canada — its fiercest rival — for the gold medal on Feb. 22, 2026. When regulation ended, the score was tied, forcing a 3-on-3 overtime.

Almost two minutes into the five-minute overtime, Jack Hughes scored the game-winning goal, securing the United States’ first Olympic gold in men’s hockey since the “Miracle on Ice” in 1980.

After the win, the team crowded into the locker room to celebrate. During the celebration, President Donald Trump called to congratulate the team and invited players to attend his State of the Union address. Trump joked that he would also have to invite the U.S. women’s hockey team — which also won gold in an overtime victory against Canada — or “I probably would be impeached.”

Several players laughed along with the comment, sparking criticism online and angering many women who follow the sport.

Many viewers described the reaction as misogynistic and unsupportive of the women’s team, which had also just won a gold medal. Some players from the men’s team later walked back their reactions, saying they “should’ve reacted differently” and that they were “excited for the women’s team.”

Further controversy followed when it was revealed that FBI Director Kash Patel recorded the phone call with the president. Patel faced criticism from Americans who questioned why he was in Milan.

Patel said he was there to “protect” Americans and provide security. Critics, however, questioned that explanation, noting he appeared to be drinking beer and laughing during Trump’s comments about the women’s team.

Hockey is often seen as a sport that brings people together through the excitement of goals, penalties and fast-paced play. But the incident has divided parts of the hockey community.

Even Jack Hughes, widely viewed as the breakout star of the Olympic tournament, brushed aside the controversy when asked whether he regretted his reaction. In an interview with reporters, he said: “It is what it is.”

Comments like these risk turning fans away from the sport, reinforcing the perception that U.S. men’s and women’s teams are treated differently. Whether the controversy has a lasting impact on the sport remains to be seen.