March 2026 - Save - Leading The Policy Movement For Fairness and Due Process On Campus

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Henry Herrera

Telephone: +1-301-801-0608

USA Hockey Victory Heralds Renaissance of Men and Masculinity

WASHINGTON / March 4, 2026 – For the last 50 years, American men have been subjected to a wave of criticism and vilification, routinely accused of being abusers, deadbeats, “patriarchal oppressors,” and more. But now men are pushing back, citing research that shows women are equally likely to be domestic abusers (1), and saying there is no such thing as “patriarchy.”

Amidst this toxic cultural narrative, 2,900 athletes, male and female, from 92 countries gathered in Milan, Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics. On the last day of the 17-day sports extravaganza, the American and Canadian men’s hockey teams met for their long-anticipated championship game.

Just 1:41 into overtime, Jack Hughes scored the game-winning goal, securing the United States’ first Olympic gold in men’s hockey since 1980. The team’s thrilling 2-1 overtime victory stands as a symbol of resilience and determination (2).

In response, feminists became critical of the men, although the exact reasons remain unclear. Some of the backlash may have stemmed from a post-game telephone call from President Donald Trump, who congratulated the players and invited them to visit the White House. Trump jokingly remarked that he had to invite the U.S. women’s team, as well, or else “face impeachment.” (3)

This off-handed comment was perceived by some as dismissive of the women’s accomplishments, leading to criticism on social media. But others wondered if supporters of the women’s team simply were jealous of the attention being afforded to the men.

The controversy escalated when soccer icon Megan Rapinoe weighed in, calling the men’s team “clowns” for allowing themselves to be “co-opted” by Trump (4).

And Jack Hughes faced calls to apologize for his team’s reaction. But Hughes refused to proffer an apology, noting that many of the male and female players had trained together (5).

Over the course of the week, a growing wave of persons rallied in support of the male players:

Characterizing the triumph as “another big, brash win for American men,” writer Glenn Reynolds noted that “masculinity’s comeback makes America thrive.” (6)
Commentator Clay Travis highlighted the men’s unapologetic patriotism, and criticized the media reaction as “woke BS.” (7)
Noting that the male players had attended the women’s game, hockey player Megan Keller commented, “I’ve never been more proud to pull on the USA jersey.” (8)

These plaudits underscore a broader cultural shift.

Recent data show men often hold stronger pro-family values than women. Compared to women, men are more likely to view marriage positively (38% vs. 22%), aspire to parenthood (57% vs. 45%), prefer larger families (48% vs. 37%), and identify as pro-life (47% vs. 44%). Men also exhibit lower rates of marital infidelity and divorce initiation. (9)

The USA men’s Olympic hockey victory affirms athletic excellence, and also refutes long-standing, false gender stereotypes.

SAVE – Stop Abusive and Violent Environments – is a 501(c)3 organization working to assure due process, fairness, and equal opportunities for men.

Links: