The majority of the Olympic gold medal-winning U.S. men’s hockey team marched in during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address to chants of “USA! USA!” on Tuesday night.

Trump commended the team early in his speech in House chambers at the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., as he talked about how the country keeps winning under his leadership.

The team, sporting “USA” sweaters and gold medals, descended into the gallery to loud cheers and standing ovations.

“Here with us tonight is a group of winners who just made the entire nation proud,” Trump announced.

As he congratulated the team, Trump commented it was the only time so far during his speech when the few Democratic politicians in attendance stood up to clap as well.

Minnesota Wild player Quinn Hughes could be seen with his brother Jack Hughes, who plays for the New Jersey Devils.

The pair had discussed the invitation to Washington on “Good Morning America” earlier on Tuesday. Star player Quinn said members of the team were excited for the occasion.

“I don’t know how much I’m allowed to say, but yes, and we’re excited to go … it’s going to be special for us,” he said, adding that they are also delighted about the women’s team’s gold medal victory.

The interview follows controversy that began Sunday after Trump called to congratulate the men’s team and invited the players to his speech. Trump joked that he must also invite the women’s team or else he “probably would be impeached.” Some have criticized Trump, saying his remarks about the women’s team were misogynistic.

“Obviously there’s a lot going on in social media surrounding our team and [the women’s] team, but in the last couple of summers, we’ve done a lot of training with them and got to know a lot of those girls really well,” Quinn said.

Jack Hughes scored an overtime goal to seal the U.S. team’s win against Canada on Sunday, notching the team’s first gold medal in 46 years. Quinn was named the tournament’s best defender.

The U.S. women’s hockey team, which beat Canada 2-1 on Megan Keller’s goal in overtime to win the gold, was also invited to the State of the Union but declined the invitation.

Team officials explained in a statement that athletes could not participate due to timing and “previously scheduled academic and professional commitments.”

Nevertheless, Trump said during his speech that the women’s team would “soon be coming to the White House.”

The men’s team traveled to Washington on Vice President JD Vance’s plane. The team was seen greeting fans on Tuesday after arriving in Washington. Members of the team also visited the White House.

The White House posted a photo of the team:

Not all members of the men’s team traveled to Washington.

Jake Oettinger of the Dallas Stars, who is from Lakeville, Minn.; Jake Guentzel of the Tampa Bay Lightning, from Woodbury, Minn.; Brock Nelson of the Colorado Avalanche, from Warroad, Minn.; Jackson LaCombe of the Anaheim Ducks, from Eden Prairie, Minn.; and Kyle Connor of the Winnipeg Jets declined the invitation.

The NHL season resumes Wednesday.

The State of the Union started shortly after 9 p.m. ET and many expect that Trump will discuss immigration and tariffs.

Minnesota lawmakers are bringing a range of guests, including Colin Hortman and Nick Shirley.

Trump also announced that goalie Connor Hellebuyck will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

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