NHL commissioner Gary Bettman commented Tuesday on the recent U.S. hockey controversy at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, describing the depiction of events as unfortunate and inaccurate. Bettman refrained from engaging in the political dimensions of the incident but emphasized the intention behind the players’ actions.
Men’s and Women’s Teams Share Mutual Respect Amid Celebrations
Both the U.S. men’s and women’s hockey teams secured gold medals in thrilling 2-1 overtime victories against Canada. Following their win on February 22, the men’s team celebrated with notable figures, including FBI director Kash Patel and a speakerphone conversation with President Donald Trump, who invited them to his State of the Union address. Trump also mentioned the necessity of inviting the women’s team, joking about impeachment if he did not.
During a media session held at Calgary’s Scotiabank Saddledome, Bettman remarked,
“I know for a fact that the men’s team had no intention of doing anything to slight the women’s team,”
and added,
“If anything, both teams were chanting, ‘Two for two.’”
Bettman further addressed the criticism surrounding the men’s players laughing at Trump’s comment, stating,
“What happened and how it was portrayed I wish didn’t happen the way it did, and I think it was unfair to the men’s team.”
He underscored the mutual respect shared, citing,
“And again, I don’t think the women’s team had a different view of it. I mean look at (U.S. women’s captain) Hilary Knight and the others talking about what happened. These two teams respected each other.”
Differences in White House Invitations Fuel Tensions
Unlike the men’s team, the women did not receive a congratulatory call from the president and only learned about a White House invitation hours after the men’s game had concluded. The women’s team declined the invitation, explaining it conflicted with pre-arranged travel plans. Meanwhile, several players from the men’s team attended the White House event on February 24 and were publicly praised during Trump’s address at the Capitol.
Despite the controversy, both American hockey teams reportedly built strong camaraderie while staying in the Olympic athletes’ village, supporting each other during their quest for gold medals. Players on both sides consistently highlighted this sense of unity amid media inquiries.
Significance of the Incident and Potential Fallout
This episode has sparked considerable discussion about the intersection of sports, politics, and gender dynamics within high-profile international competitions. Bettman’s comments attempt to clarify misunderstandings and reduce tensions between the men’s and women’s teams, while also addressing the wider public’s reaction to the celebration. How this situation influences NHL and U.S. hockey relations moving forward remains to be seen, but the episode underscores the sensitivities involved when athletes, political figures, and media converge on a global stage.
