It turns out the U.S. women's hockey team will get the chance to celebrate winning a gold medal at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics.
Despite an epic 2-1 victory over Canada in the Olympic final, Team USA received an unnecessary jab from President Donald Trump. He basically cracked a joke about inviting the women's squad to the White House during a phone call with the U.S. men's hockey team.
“I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that,” the president said. “I do believe I probably would be impeached.”
The women's team was still invited to the White House despite that controversial comment, but that opportunity was rejected due to scheduling conflicts.
“We are sincerely grateful for the invitation extended to our gold medal-winning U.S. Women’s Hockey Team and deeply appreciate the recognition of their extraordinary achievement,” the U.S. women’s team said in a statement. “Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate. They were honored to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment.
© Amber Searls-Imagn Images
The party is just getting started for the U.S. women's team.
Earlier this week, Flavor Flav announced that he wants to host the women's team for a "real celebration" in Las Vegas.
“I am reaching out on behalf of Flavor Flav. First, massive congratulations on the gold!!” the invitation read. “We saw the story about the men’s invite to the White House, and the not quite invite for the women’s team. Flav recently posted on social media an idea and invite for the women’s hockey team to Las Vegas for a real celebration. He always stands behind everything he says and does. If there is an interest for the team to come to Las Vegas and celebrate with Flav – we will figure it out on our end and make it a lovely experience.”
On Thursday night, The GIST announced that Flavor Flav's event for Team USA will officially take place from July 16-19. The beloved rapper has partnered with MGM Resorts in order to make this happen.
"I wanna give a special shout out to MGM Resorts,,, many people offered to help the hockey team,,, but when I said I wanted to include ALL women who earned medals from the winter games + USABS,,, they didn’t hesitate and stepped up to be REAL partners with 100+ rooms," Flavor Flav wrote in a follow-up post. "They also offered food and hospitality, spa, ground, event space, after parties, and to host the parade and party for the PUBLIC to celebrate our women for FREE."
According to the Associated Press, the women's players accepted this offer without input from USA Hockey.
"The person added that while the team is excited to attend, it’s unclear if the entire 23-player roster will be on hand because of potential scheduling conflicts," per the initial report.
A trip to the White House, meanwhile, remains up in the air at this time.