Hilary Knight, US Hockey Stars Respond to Trump’s SNL Joke on ‘Saturday Night Live’

New York, NY – U.S. Women’s hockey captain Hilary Knight and teammate Megan Keller delivered a pointed response to a joke made by former President Donald Trump during an appearance on “Saturday Night Live” this weekend. The appearance, alongside men’s team members Jack and Quinn Hughes, came after Trump’s comments about inviting the women’s team to the White House sparked controversy following the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

The Controversy

During a congratulatory call to the U.S. Men’s hockey team after their 2-1 overtime victory against Canada, Trump joked that he would have to invite the women’s team as well, lest he risk impeachment. Many players on the men’s team were seen laughing at the remark, which was widely criticized as sexist. Knight subsequently called the joke “distasteful and unfortunate.”

SNL Appearance and Response

On the February 28th episode of “Saturday Night Live,” hosted by Connor Storrie, Knight, Keller, Jack Hughes, and Quinn Hughes appeared together during the opening monologue. Wearing their Olympic gold medals, Knight quipped, “It was going to be just us, but we thought we’d invite the guys too.” Keller added, “Yeah, we thought we’d give them a little moment to shine.”

The response drew a large ovation from the studio audience.

Regret and Aftermath

Several members of the U.S. Men’s team have since expressed regret over their initial reaction to Trump’s joke. Boston Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman acknowledged that the team “should have reacted differently.”

The U.S. Women’s team declined Trump’s invitation to the White House, citing travel plans. They returned to North America late Monday evening after traveling commercially, while the men’s team traveled on a charter flight funded by the NHL and NHL Players’ Association.

Olympic Achievements

Both the U.S. Men’s and women’s hockey teams won gold medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Keller scored the overtime goal for the women in their 2-1 victory over Canada, while Jack Hughes scored the overtime winner for the men against the same opponent. Knight tied the game for the women in the final minutes of regulation.

PWHL and NHL Representation

Hilary Knight currently plays for the PWHL’s Seattle Torrent and made the trip to New York City despite being placed on long-term injured reserve. Megan Keller plays for Boston in the PWHL. Jack Hughes plays for the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, and Quinn Hughes plays for the Minnesota Wild.

Further Jabs and Team History

During the SNL monologue, Knight also pointed out that the U.S. Women last won Olympic gold in 2018, while the men’s team hadn’t won since the 1980 Lake Placid Games – a 46-year gap. Jack Hughes responded with “nice burn,” acknowledging the playful jab.