Bruins' Jeremy Swayman Addresses Team USA Men's Hockey Controversy

Bruins' Jeremy Swayman Addresses Team USA Men's Hockey Controversy originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The U.S. men's hockey team winning their first Olympic gold medal since 1980 should have been a moment of triumph and joy for the players and their countrymen. Instead, it quickly became embroiled in political controversy.

Shortly after Jack Hughes scored the golden goal in overtime to give the Americans a 2-1 victory over Canada, videos surfaced of the team partying in the locker room with FBI Director Kash Patel and receiving a congratulatory FaceTime call from President Donald Trump.

During Trump's call, he appeared to take a jab at the U.S. women's hockey team, which had also won gold a few days before.

"I must tell you, we're going to have to bring the woman's team. You do know that?" President Trump said, prompting laughter from the men's team. "If they weren't invited, I do believe I probably would be impeached."

President Trump's comments and the players' reaction to them have both received backlash over the last few days. Some critics interpreted President Trump's remarks as sexist and misogynistic, while others have called out the players for laughing at them.

Most of the men's team visited the White House, met with President Trump and attended his State of the Union on Tuesday. The women's team did not attend, declining President Trump's invitation.

Boston Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman, who played for Team USA, addressed the controversy with reporters on Wednesday.

Jeremy Swayman: “We should’ve reacted differently” to President Trump’s comment about the women’s team.

“We know that we are so excited for the women’s team. We have so much respect for the women’s team. To share that gold medal with them is something we’re forever grateful for” pic.twitter.com/YJwPmFSb1z

— Scott McLaughlin (@smclaughlin9) February 25, 2026

"We should have reacted differently. We know that," Swayman said. "We are so excited for the women’s team. We have so much respect for the women’s team. To share that gold medal with them is something that we’re forever grateful for."

Swayman and the Bruins return to the ice on Thursday, when they'll host the Columbus Blue Jackets at TD Garden.

More NHL: Pat McAfee Honors, Pays for Team USA Men’s Hockey Tab at E11EVEN in Miami