Olympic champions from the U.S. women’s hockey squad will party with hip-hop legend Flavor Flav in Las Vegas this summer following their gold medal triumph at the Milan Cortina Olympics.
The rapper announced on his X social media platform Thursday that he’s organizing a “She Got Game” celebration weekend scheduled for July 16-19, partnering with MGM Resorts. Writing “IT’S HAPPENING,” Flavor Flav revealed the multi-day event will honor the hockey champions and other female athletes, with additional information coming later. His announcement included an image showing the American women’s hockey players in their victory celebration huddle.
A representative for Flavor Flav verified the planned festivities but declined to share additional specifics.
Team members independently decided to accept the Vegas invitation without consulting USA Hockey officials, according to a source with knowledge of the conversations who requested anonymity due to the private nature of the discussions.
The source noted that although the team is enthusiastic about attending, it remains uncertain whether all 23 roster members can participate due to possible schedule conflicts.
The squad has not yet decided on a potential White House visit after USA Hockey respectfully turned down President Donald Trump’s offer for the team to join the men’s gold medalists at Tuesday’s State of the Union address, citing logistical and travel complications.
A dedicated advocate for women’s athletics, Flav attended multiple Olympic events this month. He extended his Vegas invitation Monday, just after the women declined the Washington trip.
“If the USA Women’s Hockey team wants a real celebration and invite ,,, I’ll host them in Las Vegas. Do some nice dinners and shows and good times,” he posted. “I’m sure I can get a hotel and airline to help me out here and celebrate these women for real for real.”
The women’s squad had planned to fly commercially to New York on Monday but had to change routes through Atlanta due to a Northeast snowstorm. The weather disruption and timing created challenges for the women to modify their travel arrangements as they returned to their Professional Women’s Hockey League clubs and college programs nationwide.
Thursday marked the PWHL’s return from its month-long Olympic hiatus with Montreal facing New York, while collegiate players begin conference tournament play this weekend.
During his address, Trump mentioned plans were developing to bring the women’s team to the White House, though USA Hockey said the timing remains uncertain. The earliest possible Washington visit would be late spring following the PWHL season’s conclusion.
The president’s invitation came late Sunday when he called to congratulate the men’s team on their 2-1 overtime victory against Canada. At that time, the women’s squad remained in Milan, three days after their own 2-1 overtime triumph over Canada.
While speaking with the men’s team after their victory, Trump stated: “We’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that.” He later made a joke that failing to extend the invitation would probably result in his impeachment.
Team captain Hilary Knight described the remark Wednesday as “distasteful and unfortunate.”
“I think just the way women are represented, it’s a great teaching point and really shines light on how women should be championed for their amazing feats,” she commented.
