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On Wednesday, two Ottawa Senators players encountered scrutiny in the dressing room regarding the criticism directed at the U.S. men’s hockey squad, to which they belonged, concerning their conduct following their Olympic gold medal victory.
The American men’s squad has drawn significant disapproval following a video that captured several male athletes chuckling during a video conference with then-U.S. President Donald Trump, who lightheartedly remarked that he would “have to” extend a White House invitation to the women’s team as well.
Before their initial match upon returning to Canada, Brady Tkachuk and Jake Sanderson separately conveyed to journalists their profound esteem for the women’s team — who likewise secured Olympic gold competing against Canada — but attributed their actions to being swept up in the excitement of their triumph.
“Reflecting on it now, I believe it was an error,” Sanderson stated when questioned about the men’s team’s demeanor during the call, which occurred in their locker room amidst their victory celebrations.
“However, I feel the situation was somewhat exaggerated. We harbor nothing but the highest regard for the female athletes.”
Tkachuk echoed these sentiments when questioned about the discussion, noting that some of his most cherished Olympic experiences involved spending time with the women’s team and vocally supporting them throughout their competition.
“They are aware of our unwavering support during the entire tournament.”
When pressed further on why players were seen laughing at Trump’s remarks during the conversation, Tkachuk responded, “I genuinely lack a direct explanation.”
“Frankly, it was simply an overwhelming instant where one cannot truly dictate what another individual utters,” he explained.
“I suppose I was somewhat taken aback.”
Jake Sanderson and Brady Tkachuk of the Ottawa Senators address the criticism directed at the U.S. men’s hockey team following a video depicting male players laughing during a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, who jested about also inviting the women’s team to the White House.
The captain for the Senators spoke on Thursday, preceding the team’s home match against the Detroit Red Wings at the Canadian Tire Centre, an evening also dedicated by the Senators to celebrating women in sports.
Both athletes indicated they had not yet discussed the video with any members of the U.S. women’s team.
Hellebuyck expresses regret for incident during Trump discussion
Connor Hellebuyck, the Winnipeg Jets netminder and U.S. team’s goaltender who blocked 41 shots in the gold medal match, offered an apology for the events that transpired during the dressing room call, as conveyed in an interview uploaded to the team’s YouTube channel on Thursday.
“We were immensely thrilled, feeling euphoric upon entering that space. Subsequently, certain things occurred, and I deeply regret how they transpired,” he remarked.
“It is quite regrettable… the condemnation we are receiving for this, as it was certainly not our intention.”
Hellebuyck voiced his disappointment that the women’s team’s gold medal achievement “is currently being overshadowed, as their accomplishment was extraordinary.”
“Were I able to revisit and alter the sequence of events, I absolutely would. Nevertheless, I remain incredibly proud of them, and they are aware of that sentiment.”
During an interview with ESPN’s SportsCenter broadcast on Wednesday, Hilary Knight, the women’s team captain, expressed that she considered Trump’s remark to be in poor taste.
“Regrettably, that circumstance is eclipsing much of the success—specifically, the achievements of women generally at the Olympics, representing Team USA and securing remarkable gold medal victories.”
She further noted that the male and female teams share an authentic degree of mutual encouragement and admiration, which is now “being obscured by a momentary oversight.”
On Wednesday, members of the U.S. women’s hockey team were questioned about whether they felt ‘disrespected or overlooked in any manner’ by Donald Trump’s phone conversation with the men’s team, during which players chuckled as the U.S. president made a jest about needing to also invite the women’s team to the White House. Defensive athlete Caroline Harvey responded that the call is ‘not our primary concern’ and that they are content to return with Olympic gold.
Tkachuk addresses manipulated AI video
Tkachuk additionally voiced his displeasure with an AI-altered video, disseminated by the White House, which portrayed him as belittling Canadians, labeling it as fabricated and entirely out of character for him.
The modified segment, circulated via the White House’s TikTok profile, included manufactured audio where Tkachuk seemingly called Canadians “maple syrup consuming f—s,” with the offensive term censored in the recording.
“I would never utter such words. That conduct does not represent me.”
He furthermore refuted claims that he was the voice heard exclaiming “seal the northern boundary” during Team USA’s celebratory telephone conversation with Trump.
“I’ve encountered material where individuals believe it is me. Should you view the footage, it is clearly not my voice, and it is a phrase I never use,” Tkachuk commented.
“I am an athlete here, and I have dedicated my all to this place.”
The American men’s hockey squad, having secured the Olympic gold medal, paid a visit to U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday afternoon, subsequently receiving approximately a two-minute bipartisan standing ovation during his State of the Union address that evening.
The women’s team likewise received an invitation to the White House, though they declined it, attributing their refusal to scheduling conflicts.
