Zach Werenski Faces Backlash Over Reaction to Trump’s Comments About Women’s Hockey Team

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski is under scrutiny for his response to a joke made by former President Donald Trump about the USA Women’s Hockey team following their gold medal win at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics. The incident, which occurred in the team’s locker room, has sparked criticism regarding respect for women’s hockey and the broader issue of sexism in sports.

The Incident and Initial Response

The controversy began after President Trump reportedly made a demeaning joke about the women’s team during a call to the locker room, prompting laughter from some members of the USA men’s hockey team. Werenski, who was part of the men’s team that also won gold, was seen laughing along with others. When questioned about the incident by The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline, Werenski stated, “It’s not a great moment. It doesn’t look great, so I understand that. But, you know, I think deep down, they know how we feel about them and how much support we have for them.” He added, “I just apologize for the way it looks, but I think deep down they know how much support we have for them.” Source

Criticism and Calls for a Meaningful Apology

Werenski’s response has been widely criticized as insufficient. Morgan Bennett, a youth hockey coach and mother of four hockey players, argues that his apology failed to acknowledge the harm caused by laughing at the accomplishments of female athletes. Source Bennett points out that his apology focused on how the situation *looked* rather than taking responsibility for the disrespectful behavior itself.

Bennett emphasizes the impact this has on young girls involved in hockey, stating that it sends a message that their achievements are not valued as highly as those of their male counterparts. She suggests a more appropriate apology would be: “I’m sorry I laughed at the USA women’s hockey team. It made light of their amazing gold medal win. I realize this genuinely hurt the almost 200,000 women who play hockey in the United States. I hope to do better in respecting and supporting women in the future.” Source

Growing Participation of Girls in Hockey

The criticism comes at a time when girls’ and women’s hockey is experiencing significant growth in the United States. Participation rates for girls are increasing at a higher rate than those for boys, with many young players idolizing athletes like those on the gold medal-winning Team USA. Source Bennett notes the increasing number of girls participating in leagues like the Blue Jackets Hockey League, highlighting the importance of role models who demonstrate respect for female athletes.

Werenski’s Olympic Achievements and Team Support

Despite the controversy, Werenski had a successful Olympic showing, contributing to Team USA’s gold medal victory with an assist on the overtime-winning goal. Source He expressed his admiration for the women’s team, stating they had “done so much for the game of hockey” and that he was “glued to [his] phone watching” their gold medal game. Source He also mentioned that some of his teammates had reached out to the women’s team directly, and he apologized “for the way it looks.” Source

Looking Ahead

The incident involving Zach Werenski and the USA men’s hockey team serves as a reminder of the ongoing require for respect and equality in sports. As girls’ and women’s hockey continues to grow, it is crucial for male athletes to use their platform to support and uplift their female counterparts, rather than contribute to a culture of disrespect. The call for a more meaningful apology from Werenski reflects a broader demand for accountability and a commitment to fostering a more inclusive environment in hockey and beyond.