Panthers’ Matthew Tkachuk has ‘so much respect’ for women’s hockey team, amid controversy over Trump’s comment
· Yahoo Sports
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Soon after the USA men’s hockey team sparked celebrations across the country with Jack Hughes’ gold-medal-winning goal against Canada on Sunday, the team was engulfed in a political controversy.
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FBI Director Kash Patel was seen on video celebrating in the locker room with the team, and Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk draped his medal around Patel’s neck. The U.S. men’s team came under additional fire when video leaked of the team listening to President Donald Trump make a joke at the expense of the women’s national team, which also beat Canada in overtime to win the gold medal, while on the phone with the men’s team. Trump said he would need to invite the women’s teams to the White House, as well as the men’s team.
“I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that,” Trump said as some of the American players laughed.
Trump said if he did not invite the women’s team, “I do believe I probably would be impeached.”
On Thursday morning, Tkachuk, the only Panthers player on the U.S. team, said the two teams became very close while in Milan.
“Nobody saw what type of relationship we had with the women’s team and other athletes, really, in the village,” Tkachuk said. “Our two teams were so close. We watched other events together. We went and supported. We love the women’s team, and the women’s team loved us. And we’re so proud that we had a clean sweep of gold medals. And just so much respect for them and the other athletes.
“So I think the narrative that we weren’t rooting for each other, whatever the narrative is, is so untrue,” Tkachuk explained. “We were so close with that team, and the fact that both our teams were able to do that is what should be talked about, and it’s really important.
“So we have a lot of respect for them and all the other athletes and literally had the best time celebrating with them after and throughout the tournament. There’s some relationships that I’ll remember forever and consider a few of them on the team that I hung out with — a majority — really good friends. So I think that’s all just crazy talk and taking away from what really mattered.”
USA women’s team captain Hilary Knight said Wednesday that she thought the President’s comment was “distasteful,” and American goalie Jeremy Swayman said, “We should have reacted differently” to the comment on Wednesday.
“I just thought the joke was distasteful and unfortunate,” Knight said Wednesday. “And, I think just the way women are represented, it’s a great teaching point and really shines light on how women should be championed for their amazing feats.”
The women’s team declined an invitation to the White House, while many members of the men’s team — including Tkachuk — visited Tuesday and attended the State of the Union address.
“The men’s and the women’s team did it together,” Knight said. “And, that’s super special. It’s never been done in our program’s history. It’s something we’re extremely proud about. But these women are amazing. And whatever’s going on should never outshine or minimize their work and our success on the world stage.”