SUMMARY
- The US women’s hockey team won gold at the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics with a 2-1 overtime victory against Canada.
- Players declined a White House invitation, according to USA Hockey, due to prior academic and professional commitments.
- The team met Tucci at a Michelin Guide listed Milan restaurant days before the announcement.
MILAN — Days after winning gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics, the US women’s hockey team shared a private dinner with actor Stanley Tucci in Milan before formally declining an invitation from President Donald Trump to attend the State of the Union address, citing scheduling conflicts.
The developments capped a high-profile week for the US women’s hockey team, whose undefeated Olympic run renewed attention on gender equity in elite sport and the traditions surrounding championship visits to the White House.
The athletes’ decision not to attend the presidential address came amid heightened scrutiny of ceremonial invitations and public messaging following international sporting victories.
The United States defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime at the Milano-Cortina Games, completing a 7-0 tournament record. Megan Keller scored the decisive goal, preserving the team’s unbeaten run.
Following the win, Trump publicly congratulated the men’s team and indicated the women would also be invited.
USA Hockey said in a statement the organization was “sincerely grateful” for the invitation but that previously scheduled commitments prevented participation.
The governing body added the athletes were “honoured to be included and grateful for the acknowledgement.”
White House championship invitations are customary for major US sports victories, though attendance has varied in recent years across administrations.
Days earlier, several players dined with Tucci, known for his affinity for Italian cuisine, at Ristorante Ratanà in Milan.
The restaurant, led by chef Cesare Battisti and featured in the Michelin Guide, hosted the team on its outdoor patio during a rest day.
Mary Jo Kane, director of the Tucker Center for Research on Girls and Women in Sport at the University of Minnesota, said the US women’s hockey team’s visibility reflects long term shifts in audience engagement and commercial investment in women’s sport.
“Elite women’s team sport now commands sustained media attention and corporate backing that was not present two decades ago,” Kane said.
“That changes how symbolic moments, including White House invitations, are interpreted.”
David Carter, executive director of the Sports Business Institute at the University of Southern California, said championship recognition has become intertwined with broader cultural narratives.
“Teams today operate in a complex environment where brand, public perception and athlete autonomy intersect,” Carter said.
“Decisions about ceremonial appearances are often logistical, but they can carry amplified meaning.”
Stephanie Hilborne, chief executive of Women in Sport, a UK based charity, said international achievements by women’s teams have reshaped public engagement.
“The commitment, teamwork and leadership required to excel on the world stage are undeniable,” Hilborne said. “Recognition of women’s team sport continues to grow globally.”
USA Hockey said any future White House visit would depend on player availability once professional seasons conclude.
Several members compete in North American leagues that resumed play days after the Olympics.
With domestic leagues restarting and preparations beginning for world championship play, attention now shifts to sustaining momentum generated by the Olympic title.
Governing bodies are expected to evaluate commercial partnerships and development pathways following the team’s gold medal performance.
The US women’s hockey team’s Olympic triumph and subsequent scheduling decision underscore the expanding profile of women’s sport and the evolving role of ceremonial traditions in a changing sports landscape.
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