What should have been the highlight of Megan Keller’s career turned into an unexpected controversy. Amid the back-and-forth, the star defender clarified her position after the U.S. women’s ice hockey team declined President Donald Trump’s invitation to the White House.
A little more than a week ago, Team USA women achieved a historic feat at the Milan Cortina 2016 Winter Olympics, defeating Canada 2-1 in overtime to win the gold medal.
Days later, the men’s team repeated the accomplishment under nearly identical circumstances. Their victory earned them an invitation from President Trump to attend the State of the Union address this week.
Although Trump also invited the women’s team, the manner in which the invitation was extended sparked a bitter controversy. Amid the media storm, the team declined the invitation, citing a “scheduling conflict,” prompting Keller to clarify the situation.
Keller responds to the controversy
Megan Keller, who scored the decisive goal that secured Team USA’s gold medal, expressed surprise at how events unfolded. “I don’t really have a response,” she said when asked about the controversy.
“It’s unfortunate, the conversation surrounding it and where it’s gone throughout social media,” the Boston Fleet star added. “But all I can say is, I’ve never been more proud to wear the USA jersey.”
She emphasized the honor of representing her country: “For a lot of us, it’s the honor of a lifetime to represent our country on the biggest stage.” Keller reaffirmed that the team traveled to Italy with one clear objective:winning gold.
And it’s pretty incredible that we got to do it-both men’s and women’s. That’s the first time we’ve ever achieved that. I think that’s what should be highlighted.
Fans rally behind Keller
Fans quickly took to X (formerly Twitter) to support Keller and the women’s team, posting comments such as:
“It’s sad how this ‘controversy’ is being talked about on social media more than how dominant the women’s team was.”
“The media has turned their incredible achievement into an afterthought and would rather bait them into a narrative.”
“I really don’t understand why we can’t focus on the women’s accomplishments instead of constantly comparing them to the men’s team.”
It remains to be seen whether Keller’s statements will calm the situation or reignite the controversy the team hoped to put behind them.