NHL Star's Family Unfairly Targeted in Winter Olympics Hockey Storm
The controversy surrounding the Winter Olympics hockey tournament has now ensnared an innocent family that had absolutely no connection to the original incident. NHL star Dylan Strome and his wife Tayler Strome found themselves dragged into a social media firestorm after a post by the National Hockey League created significant confusion online.
The Controversial Joke That Sparked the Backlash
The entire situation began when former President Donald Trump made what critics immediately labeled as a "misogynistic" joke while congratulating the USA men's hockey team on their gold medal victory. In a locker room clip that quickly went viral, Trump remarked, "I must tell you, we are going to have to bring the women's team, you do know that. I do believe I would probably be impeached if I didn't invite them."
While players in the room laughed at the comment, the moment spread rapidly across social media platforms, drawing widespread criticism from those who found the remark inappropriate and dismissive of women athletes' achievements.
NHL's Ill-Timed Post Creates Confusion
Soon after the controversy erupted, the NHL posted a photograph of Dylan Strome, who is Canadian and did not participate for Team USA, with one of his young daughters at Disney's Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. The caption accompanying the image read, "Dylan Strome is the ultimate girl dad."
This unfortunate timing led some fans to incorrectly associate Strome with the ongoing controversy about Trump's comments. Although the NHL later deleted the post, the damage had already been done, with the Strome family becoming unintended targets of online vitriol.
Tayler Strome's Powerful Response to Online Abuse
Tayler Strome responded forcefully to the situation, expressing her family's distress at being dragged into a narrative they had nothing to do with. "We were placed into a narrative that we have absolutely nothing to do with, and we certainly did not choose to have our family used in it," she wrote in a social media statement.
She continued with an emotional appeal: "You can debate adults all you want, but dragging my husband and especially my toddler into something that has nothing to do with us is beyond unacceptable. The comments and messages about my TWO YEAR OLD DAUGHTER are some of the most vile and disgusting things I have ever read in my life. This isn't about politics. She is a child. Full stop. Do better."
Online Reactions and Defenses
The online response to the situation was polarized and often harsh. Some users attacked Strome directly, with one commenting, "Not using the daughter as a human shield, my god," while another wrote, "I feel sorry for the kid... imagine having THAT as your dad."
However, many other fans rallied to defend the family and criticized the NHL's poor timing in posting the family photograph amid the ongoing controversy. Supporters emphasized that the Stromes were completely unrelated to the political discussion and deserved privacy.
Women's Hockey Team Leaders Speak Out
While Dylan Strome's family dealt with online abuse, leaders from the USA women's hockey team also addressed Trump's controversial remark. Team captain Hilary Knight spoke during an appearance at the Seattle Space Needle alongside teammates Alex Carpenter, Hannah Bilka and Cayla Barnes ahead of their return to play for the Seattle Torrent in the Professional Women's Hockey League.
"I just thought the joke was distasteful and unfortunate," Knight stated clearly. "And, 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."
Broader Reactions and Political Fallout
Former ESPN host Keith Olbermann offered sharp criticism of players who accepted the White House invitation, writing that anyone who attends would be "declaring their indelible stupidity and misogyny." USA star Laila Edwards also appeared displeased, liking a social media post that read, "You can tell how smart people are by what they laugh at."
USA Hockey issued an official statement to NBC News explaining: "We are sincerely grateful for the invitation extended to our gold medal-winning U.S. Women's Hockey Team and deeply appreciate the recognition of their extraordinary achievement. Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate."
Despite this initial decline, Donald Trump later announced during his State of the Union address that the women would "soon be coming to the White House," suggesting the invitation remained open despite the controversy surrounding his original comments.
The incident highlights how quickly social media controversies can spread beyond their original participants, ensnaring innocent bystanders like the Strome family who become collateral damage in larger political and cultural discussions.
