US Olympic Hockey Stars Skewer Trump on ‘Saturday Night Live’
NEW YORK, NY – Hilary Knight and her fellow US Olympic hockey teammates turned the tables on former President Donald Trump during a surprise appearance on Saturday Night Live this weekend. Knight, alongside teammate Megan Keller and men’s team members Jack and Quinn Hughes, referenced Trump’s controversial joke about inviting the women’s team to the White House – or facing impeachment – after the men’s team secured gold at the Milano-Cortina Games.
During the monologue hosted by Heated Rivalry star Connor Storrie, Knight quipped, “It was going to be just us, but we thought we’d invite the guys too,” drawing loud applause. The remark directly addressed Trump’s comments, which many perceived as sexist and led to criticism of the men’s team for their initial reaction. Several members of the men’s team have since expressed regret over laughing at the joke.
The US women’s team declined Trump’s invitation due to travel plans, opting instead to celebrate their gold medal win with an event organized by rapper Flavor Flav in July. Knight had previously called Trump’s joke “distasteful and unfortunate.” The appearance on SNL allowed the team to deliver a pointed, and humorous, response to the situation.
Hilary Knight, US Hockey Stars Light Up ‘SNL’ Amidst Olympic Celebration and Controversy
New York, NY – Hilary Knight, captain of the U.S. Women’s Olympic hockey team, delivered a memorable moment on Saturday Night Live, alongside teammates Megan Keller and brothers Jack and Quinn Hughes of the NHL, following a week of discussion surrounding the U.S. Men’s and women’s gold medal victories at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.
A Surprise Appearance and a Well-Timed Joke
The four athletes made a surprise appearance during the opening monologue of Heated Rivalry star Connor Storrie, receiving a resounding ovation from the studio audience. They proudly displayed their gold medals, adding a touch of Olympic glory to the late-night present. Knight initiated the comedic exchange, stating, “It was going to be just us, but we thought we’d invite the guys, too.”
The Context: A Presidential Phone Call and Perceived Slight
This remark directly referenced a recent incident involving a congratulatory phone call from President Donald Trump to the U.S. Men’s hockey team. During the call, President Trump extended an invitation to the men’s team to his State of the Union address, then added he would have to invite the women’s team as well, a comment many perceived as sexist. Players on both teams reacted to the moment, with some acknowledging a delayed response to the president’s remarks.
Knight Addresses “Distasteful” Comment
Previously, Hilary Knight described the comment as “distasteful and unfortunate.” Several members of the men’s team admitted they were caught up in the excitement of the moment and should have reacted differently. Jeremy Swayman, the Boston Bruins goalie, acknowledged the team’s response could have been improved.
Did you know? The U.S. Women’s team politely declined President Trump’s invitation to the State of the Union address due to pre-existing travel arrangements.
Travel Disparities Highlighted
The situation also brought to light disparities in travel arrangements. The U.S. Women’s team travelled commercially after their victory, although the men’s team benefited from a charter flight funded by the NHL and NHL Players’ Association. Keller, who plays for Boston, travelled directly from a game in Ottawa to New York City for the SNL appearance.
Olympic Performances and PWHL Representation
The U.S. Women’s team secured their gold medal with a 2-1 overtime victory against Canada, mirroring the men’s win over the same opponent. Megan Keller scored the decisive overtime goal for the women, while Hilary Knight tied the game late in regulation. Jack Hughes scored the overtime winner for the men’s team. Knight currently plays for the PWHL’s Seattle Torrent, making a quick trip to New York City despite being on long-term injured reserve.
‘Heated Rivalry’ and the Growing Popularity of Hockey
The SNL appearance coincided with the rising popularity of Heated Rivalry, an HBO Max series adapted from Rachel Reid’s 2019 novel. The show’s plot centers around a gay romance between hockey players on opposing teams, attracting a wider audience to the sport.
Pro Tip: The increased visibility of women’s hockey, both on the Olympic stage and through popular media, is crucial for attracting new fans and fostering greater inclusivity within the sport.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Hockey and Representation
This incident underscores the ongoing conversation surrounding gender equality and representation in sports. The athletes’ appearance on SNL provided a platform to address these issues with humor and grace. The growing popularity of shows like Heated Rivalry demonstrates a broadening interest in hockey, potentially attracting a more diverse fanbase. The attention garnered by both the men’s and women’s Olympic victories presents an opportunity to further promote the sport and advocate for equitable treatment of all athletes.
FAQ
Q: What prompted the SNL appearance?
A: The appearance was a result of the recent Olympic gold medal wins by both the U.S. Men’s and women’s hockey teams and a subsequent controversy surrounding a phone call from President Trump.
Q: What was the nature of the controversy?
A: President Trump initially invited only the men’s team to the State of the Union, then added he would have to invite the women’s team as well, a comment many found to be sexist.
Q: Where do Hilary Knight and Megan Keller play professionally?
A: Hilary Knight plays for the Seattle Torrent in the PWHL, and Megan Keller plays for Boston in the PWHL.
Q: What is ‘Heated Rivalry’?
A: Heated Rivalry is an HBO Max series based on a novel about a gay romance between hockey players.
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