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Olympic gold medalist and University of Minnesota hockey star Abbey Murphy dismissed the narrative that the Olympic men’s hockey team disrespected them by laughing at a comment President Donald Trump made after their victory over Canada on Sunday, saying the two groups share a mutual respect for each other.
Speaking about some of his best memories at Milan Cortina, Murphy said during an appearance on Barstool’s “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast that his favorite memory was the night of the men’s gold medal game when the two groups met in the dining room.
Abbey Murphy (37) of the United States celebrates after winning the gold medal in women’s ice hockey by defeating Canada during the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at the Milan Santagiulia Ice Hockey Stadium in Milan, Italy, on February 19, 2026. (Amber Searls/Image Images)
“The first two guys we saw were Brady Tkachuk, Connor Hellebuyck and Charlie McAvoy. Charlie McAvoy had his glasses on his head, I mean the biggest smile on his face and he welcomed all the girls. [with] a big hug, a squeeze that we all laugh at, good memories. And he was as happy for us as we were for them.”
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Murphy, who won gold with his two goals and five assists throughout the tournament, said the two teams sat together for two and a half hours before the men’s team had to leave around 3 a.m.
“We sat around the table laughing and joking. Jack Eichel was leading a lot of applause that we were following. I was sitting next to Tage Thompson, who had a lot to share. He was a really funny guy. But, you know, it’s stuff like that that we’re going to remember forever.
“Being there with them and experiencing all those things was one of the best moments I will remember,” he added. “Obviously, it’s a great honor to represent the country with them. It’s a pleasure to create as many memories as possible.”
The gold medalists of the US men’s hockey team have irritated liberal pundits and news organizations despite captivating the nation with their Olympic achievement. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Murphy went on to explain that despite the media storm that followed the men’s team after they were heard laughing in response to Trump saying he “would have” to invite the women’s team to the State of the Union address as well, he thought it was “sad” that the players had to apologize.
“We never felt anything bad from them. It’s sad that they have to apologize for something. It really is.”
“They’re a special group of guys and we’re honored to be on that journey with them and share it. But we know how much they respect us and we respect them. It definitely goes both ways.”
A debate surrounding the men’s team attending the State of the Union address and meeting with Trump in the Oval Office on Tuesday led to many of the players facing questions about the incident upon their return to the NHL.
American women’s hockey star Hillary Knight addressed the controversy on ESPN, calling the joke “disgusting” but defended the male players.
Kendall Coyne, left, of the United States, and Hilary Knight of the United States celebrate after the women’s ice hockey victory ceremony at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Feb. 19, 2026. (Hassan Ammar/AP Photo)
“I think there’s a genuine level of support and respect,” he said. “I think that’s being overshadowed by a quick lapse. I think the guys were in a tough spot, so I think it’s a shame that this story and narrative has blown up and overshadowed that connection and genuine interest in each other and lifting each other up.”
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The women’s hockey team declined an invitation to the State of the Union address, but USA Hockey said in a subsequent statement that the team would “soon” visit the White House to celebrate its gold medal success “according to their schedules once their seasons conclude.”
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