Travis and Jason Kelce heaped praise on Team USA women’s hockey team as they find themselves embroiled in a controversy involving President Donald Trump.
Jason, 38,was in Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics and even got to spend some time with the American squad, which won the gold medal in thrilling fashion, taking down Canada in an overtime thriller on Thursday, February 19.
“Hockey capital in the world,” he declared on the Wednesday, February 25 episode of his “New Heights” podcast, which he hosts with his brother, Travis Kelce. “I mean, dude, we’re men’s and women’s gold medal[ists]. Best country on the planet in hockey.”
Jason added that by spending time with the women’s team, he was able to see how close the group is.
“We got a chance to meet that whole team,” he said. “We hung out with them too after the men won gold in the little back room. They’re a great team, man. They’re tight knit. They’re playing jokes on one another. Just so proud for all of them.”
The Kelces, who grew up in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, also shouted out defender Laila Edwards, from their home town.
“Best athlete out of Cleveland Heights. That’s what she said on the other podcast,” Jason said, clarifying that he was talking about his wife Kylie Kelce’s “Not Gonna Lie” podcast. “And I’m just gonna say, Laila, I’ve got two banners up in the Cleveland Heights hockey rink.”
Jason continued, “She was very, very good throughout the Olympics and through the games. One of the things after talking to her, you realize she is from the Heights, man. There’s just like this humbleness, but also like she’s a great person and it comes across very apparent when you speak to her.”
Jason’s praise comes as controversy has swirled around USA hockey, stemming from the men’s team’s celebration after they defeated Canada to win gold on Sunday, February 22. Trump, 79, called the team to invite them to the White House as FBI director Kash Patel held the phone in the locker room for the players to hear.
“We have medals for you guys. I must tell you, we‘re going to have to bring the women’s team,” he said as the players laughed.
Trump added he would “probably be impeached” if he didn’t invite the women.
The president also invited the men’s and women’s hockey teams to the State of the Union, which he delivered on Tuesday, February 24. Most players from the men’s side made it to Washington while the women declined the invitation.
“We are sincerely grateful for the invitation extended to our gold medal–winning U.S. Women’s Hockey Team and deeply appreciate the recognition of their extraordinary achievement,” USA Hockey said in a statement to NBC News on Monday, February 23. “They were honored to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment.”
The Associated Press reported that because the women were not invited until Sunday, February 22, it was difficult for players to change their travel plans.
Trump acknowledged the women’s team during his speech as both hockey teams received raucous applause from both sides of the aisle. He added that the women would “soon be coming to the White House.”
