Disrespect Toward Women's Hockey Stings as Deeply as Olympic Defeats for Canada
Nearly a week has passed since the U.S. men's hockey team secured gold against Canada at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, yet the lingering conversation isn't solely about the heartbreaking loss for Canadians in their national sport. Instead, the focus has shifted to the manner in which the American men celebrated their triumph, a celebration that came at the direct expense of the U.S. women's team, who had themselves defeated Canada to claim gold just three days earlier. This incident underscores the ongoing struggle for equality in sports, revealing that despite hopeful signs of change, deep-seated issues persist.
A Celebration Tainted by Disrespect
During the locker-room festivities, which included FBI director Kash Patel, President Donald Trump called to congratulate the gold medalists. He extended an invitation to the White House and his State of the Union address, then added that he would have to ask the U.S. women's team to attend as well, joking that he'd be "impeached" if he didn't include them. The men's team chuckled at this remark, a dismissive gesture that resonated with any woman who has fought to be taken seriously in male-dominated arenas, whether in sports or beyond.
The begrudging invitation to the women was treated as an afterthought, despite their identical golden achievement and a history of more international wins than the men's team. This contempt ignites the anger of girls who are told they can achieve anything, only to face battles for equal opportunities, resources, and respect. In hockey, this struggle encompasses ice time, sponsorship, fair pay, and overall recognition.
Progress in Women's Sports Overshadowed
Women's sports were supposed to be experiencing a long-overdue moment of recognition and growth. The establishment of professional leagues, such as the women's hockey league with Montreal's Victoire team and the women's soccer league with the Montreal Roses, signals progress. Support, while not yet at the level of the Montreal Canadiens, is increasing, evidenced by local transit agencies promoting these teams on buses.
Fan engagement is rising, with a worldwide attendance record for a women's hockey game set in Montreal in April 2024, when 21,105 spectators filled the Bell Centre. The recent Olympic women's hockey final represented a pinnacle of this advancement, featuring an exceptional game that showcased skill and pride, until it was overshadowed by the actions of entitled men.
Bro Culture and Lack of Accountability
The display of hockey bro culture during the celebration was stark. While Trump made the offending comment, the men's team's laughter made them complicit. None had the courage to defend the female players during the call, and stony silence could have conveyed disapproval. Instead, they remained silent for days as the insult festered.
In the aftermath, players like Jack Hughes complained about "negative" reactions, deflecting blame rather than reflecting on their actions. This behavior is reminiscent of classic bully tactics, shifting responsibility onto those who call out injustice. Even Ellen Weinberg-Hughes, a U.S. women's hockey legend and mother to the Hughes brothers, attempted to downplay the controversy.
Responses and Repercussions
The U.S. women's team demonstrated class by politely declining Trump's offer, while most of the men's team attended the White House events, posing for photos and allowing themselves to be used as political props. Apologies only emerged as the controversy persisted, with players like Jeremy Swayman and Charlie McAvoy expressing regret for their response. However, these apologies risk appearing as attempts to mitigate bad publicity rather than genuine remorse.
Team captain Hilary Knight emphasized not letting Trump's "distasteful" joke overshadow their on-ice success, highlighting the pressure on women to avoid being labeled "uppity" when addressing misogyny. This incident extends beyond hockey, resonating with anyone who advocates for gender equality and wants to see daughters and sisters thrive in sports and beyond.
The disrespect shown toward women's hockey hurts as much as Canada's Olympic losses, serving as a stark reminder that while progress is being made, the fight for true equality in sports remains an uphill battle.
