Several US men's hockey players have apologized for their team's reaction to a joke made by President Donald Trump about the US women's team. The incident reportedly occurred when Trump invited the gold-winning men's team to the White House and added that he also had to invite the women to avoid being 'impeached'. Some players laughed at the joke, but Boston star Charlie McAvoy has expressed regret, saying he is 'definitely sorry for how we reacted in that moment'.
Florida player Matthew Tkachuk emphasized the closeness between the teams, stating 'We love the women's team and the women's team loves us'. The women's team, which also won gold in Milan, later declined the invitation. Team captain Hilary Knight, who played her fifth consecutive Olympics, commented earlier in the week that the team prefers to focus on their achievements and not diminish them with 'tasteless jokes'.
I'm definitely sorry for how we reacted in that moment
During a press conference with her PWHL team Seattle Torrent, Knight reportedly said it is not her responsibility to explain others' behavior.
We love the women's team and the women's team loves us
The team prefers to focus on their achievements and not diminish them with 'tasteless jokes'
It is not her responsibility to explain others' behavior