US women's ice hockey captain Hilary Knight has voiced her appreciation for the respect shown to her team by the men’s hockey team in light of controversial comments made by US President Donald Trump. During a recorded locker room call, Trump suggested inviting the women’s team to an event, implying he would face impeachment if he did not, which led to laughter among the men’s team. This incident has shed light on how dialogue around women in sports can sometimes be trivialized, even in supposedly respectful contexts.

Men’s goalkeeper Jeremy Swayman acknowledged that their reaction could have been more composed, expressing that they should have reacted differently to Trump’s remarks. This sentiment signals a level of awareness and responsibility that the men’s team has begun to embrace regarding their behavior and its implications on women in sports. Kelly Pannek, a forward on the women’s team, noted that while Trump’s comments were disappointing, they were perhaps not surprising, indicating a broader issue of disrespect that female athletes often face.

Overall, the captain's reflections aim to turn a potentially negative experience into a teaching moment. Hilary Knight hopes that this incident will encourage not only re-evaluation of how women are talked about in sports but also foster a deeper respect for female athletes. The men's locker room incident, though lighthearted in nature, serves as a reminder of the need for improved communication and understanding between male and female athletes, ultimately striving for equality and respect in the sporting arena.