Jack Hughes, a 24-year-old center for the NHL's New Jersey Devils, expressed enthusiasm about the U.S. men's hockey team's invitation to President Donald Trump's State of the Union address.[1]

Hughes made the remarks to reporters outside the E11EVEN nightclub in Miami on Monday night, describing a White House visit as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity regardless of political views. "Everything is so political. We’re athletes. We’re so proud to represent the U.S. and when you get the chance to go to the White House, meet the president, you know, we’re proud to be Americans, that’s so patriotic. No matter what your views are, we’re super excited to go to the White House and just be part of that," he said.

The comments followed the conclusion of the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy, where ice hockey events took place from February 6 to 22.[2] Team members Dylan Larkin, captain of the Detroit Red Wings,[3] and defenseman Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets also discussed their Olympic experience.[4]

The players referenced a tribute to Johnny Gaudreau, a U.S. national team forward who died in a cycling accident with his brother on August 29, 2024.[5]

The U.S. men's ice hockey team last won Olympic gold at the 1980 Lake Placid Games.[2]

Sources

1. NHL.com
   Jack Hughes - New Jersey Devils Center
   Accessed February 2026
   https://www.nhl.com/devils/player/jack-hughes-8480020
2. Olympics.com
   Milano Cortina 2026
   Accessed February 2026
   https://olympics.com/en/milano-cortina-2026/
3. NHL.com
   Dylan Larkin - Detroit Red Wings Center
   Accessed February 2026
   https://www.nhl.com/redwings/player/dylan-larkin-8479319
4. NHL.com
   Zach Werenski - Columbus Blue Jackets Defenseman
   Accessed February 2026
   https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/player/zach-werenski-8478401
5. NHL.com
   Johnny Gaudreau, brother Matthew killed in cycling accident
   30 August 2024
   https://www.nhl.com/news/johnny-gaudreau-brother-matthew-killed-in-accident