U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance made a surprise appearance at the women's hockey game in Milan, where Team USA faced off against Finland as part of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics. He was accompanied by boxer Jake Paul, whose girlfriend, Jutta Leerdam, is competing in speed skating at the Olympics. Vance's presence highlights the significant attention the games are garnering from notable figures in sports and politics.

The game marked an important moment for the Women's team as they sought to recover from a chaotic lead-up to the Olympics, which included a norovirus outbreak. Despite playing in front of a notable audience including Vance, the Finnish women's team struggled during the match, trailing with a score of 0-4 by the second intermission. This outcome illustrated the challenges faced by the team as they competed in a high-stakes environment.

The juxtaposition of sporting events with political figures underscores the cultural importance of the Olympics, not just as a platform for athletic achievement but also as a stage for international diplomacy and public interest. Vance's attendance is indicative of the broader engagement and support that such events receive and may influence the narrative around women's sports and their visibility on the world stage.