There's been a giant online kerfuffle over the Team USA women's hockey team declining an invitation from President Donald Trump to visit the White House and attend the State of the Union address.
For Olympic hero Megan Keller, who scored the game-winning goal against Canada in the gold medal game, the entire controversy has been unfortunate. Speaking to reporters this week, Keller made it clear that she's proud to represent Team USA and prouder to bring home the gold.
As for her response to the controversy itself, she said that she doesn't really have a response.
“I don’t really have a response. It’s unfortunate the conversation surrounding it, where it’s gone throughout social media. But all I can say is, I’ve never been more proud to pull on the USA jersey. And I think for a lot of us, it’s the honor of a lifetime to represent our country on the biggest stage. And we went over there with one thing in mind, to bring home the Gold Medal for our country, and pretty incredible that we got to do it - both men’s and women’s, that’s the first time that we’ve ever done that. So I think that’s what should be highlighted…” Keller said.
Fans were proud of Keller standing up for her teammates and her pride in her country.
"It's sad how this "controversy" is being talked about on social media more than how dominant the women's team was. Loud mouths are trying to make one tiny moment overshadow the great success both teams had. Such a shame," one user wrote on X.
"I feel terrible for these women. The media has turned their incredible achievements into an afterthought and would rather focus on baiting them into a narrative they want to run," wrote another.
"I really don’t understand why we can’t focus on the women’s accomplishments instead of *checks notes* constantly asking them about the men’s team. Same reporters will tell you there’s not enough coverage of women’s sports," a third lamented.
© Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
The Golden Goal
In a thrilling continuation of one of the greatest rivalries in international hockey, the United States women’s ice hockey team defeated Canada 2–1 in overtime to win the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
After a tense game that saw Canada take the lead with a goal early in the second period, the U.S. battled back late in regulation. With just over two minutes remaining, U.S. captain Hilary Knight tipped in a shot to tie the game 1–1, sending the match into sudden-death overtime. Then, defender Megan Keller scored the golden goal about 4:07 into the extra period, sliding a backhand shot past Canadian goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens to clinch the victory and secure the United States’ third Olympic gold in women’s hockey.
The win capped an undefeated tournament for the Americans and underscored their continued dominance in the sport, outscoring opponents 33–2 over seven games. It's also worth noting that Knight’s late-game heroics also elevated her to become the all-time leading scorer in U.S. Olympic hockey history with 15 goals and 33 points.