The U.S. women’s hockey team has garnered significant support following their triumphant victory against Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. Team captain Hilary Knight expressed her gratitude for the public enthusiasm during an interview on “CBS Mornings” shortly after the Games.
### Hilary Knight Reflects on Olympic Success
Knight, a five-time Olympic medalist, called the support for the women’s hockey team “incredible.” Her remarks came against the backdrop of President Trump’s controversial comments made during a congratulatory call to the U.S. men’s hockey team. In the call, Trump jokingly suggested that he would invite the women to his State of the Union address to avoid political backlash. While Knight found the president’s remarks “distasteful and unfortunate,” she emphasized the importance of the overwhelming support they received after returning from the Olympics.
This latest win marks a significant achievement for the women’s team, which has become a prominent figure in women’s sports over the years. Knight’s journey to this point has been long and dedicated; she began dreaming of Olympic competition at just five years old. Reflecting on her recent experiences, Knight stated, “I am dialed a little differently. To realize those dreams, to do it with the group that we had, it’s just been such an incredible ride.”
### Denial of Invitation to State of the Union
Despite the invitation from President Trump, the U.S. women’s hockey team declined to attend the State of the Union, citing scheduling conflicts. According to a spokesperson for USA Hockey, the athletes were honored to be considered but had previously arranged professional and academic commitments following their Olympic success. “Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate,” the spokesperson stated, adding that they are grateful for the acknowledgment.
### Legacy and Future Aspirations
At 36 years old, Knight expressed her belief that she is “certainly capable” of returning to the Olympics, though she is currently in the process of processing the implications of this latest tournament victory. She regards her experience at the 2026 Games as a storybook ending for her career, as she continues to represent women in sports and inspire future generations.
Currently, the U.S. women’s team is focused on fostering the sport’s growth and maintaining their momentum in the public eye. Knight, alongside her teammates, plans to engage with local communities and participate in initiatives to promote hockey among young athletes. “We’re just excited to share that with our respective communities and continue to do our thing and be awesome representatives and be great humans,” Knight said.
The success of the women’s hockey team will likely serve as a catalyst for advancing the visibility of women’s sports and inspiring young athletes across the nation. As they navigate their next steps professionally and personally, the members of the team remain committed to championing their sport and the benefits it offers.
Source: Original Reporting
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