US men's hockey star Jack Hughes talks Trump's State of the Union invite

Team USA gold medalists Dylan Larkin and Zach Werenski discuss their historic victory over Canada, the 'heart-wrenching' tribute to Johnny Gaudreau and their upcoming visit to the State of the Union at the invitation of President Donald Trump.

U.S. men’s hockey star Jack Hughes appeared to have no qualms about the potential of going to Washington for President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address.

Trump invited the men’s hockey team to his speech on Sunday after Hughes scored in the overtime period of the gold medal game, defeating Canada 2-1.

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United States' Jack Hughes (86) poses with teammates after a men's ice hockey gold medal game between Canada and the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026.  (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

The players’ excitement appeared to miff critics of Trump. But while talking to reporters outside of E11EVEN in Miami on Monday night, the New Jersey Devils star said meeting the president is a once-in-a-lifetime chance.

"Everything is so political. We’re athletes. We’re so proud to represent the U.S. and when you get the chance to go to the White House, meet the president, you know, we’re proud to be Americans, that’s so patriotic. No matter what your views are, we’re super excited to go to the White House and just be part of that," he said.

United States' Jack Hughes (86), who scored the winning overtime goal, celebrates after defeating Canada in the men's ice hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026.  (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Hughes was dripping in patriotism right after he scored the goal on Canadian netminder Jordan Binnington.

"This is all about