Organizers say they wanted to refocus attention on the women’s achievement, rather than recent controversy.
WASHINGTON — The U.S. women’s hockey team is receiving a new wave of support following its Olympic gold medal win, this time through phone calls from fans across the country.
Public relations firm Jennifer Bett Communications and Cosmopolitan have launched a hotline allowing fans to leave voicemails congratulating the team on its overtime victory over Canada on Feb. 19.
The initiative comes after the team’s win was overshadowed by controversy surrounding comments made during a congratulatory call to the U.S. men’s hockey team. After the U.S. men’s hockey team won gold three days later, President Donald Trump congratulated the players in a phone call and joked that he would “probably be impeached” if he didn’t also invite the women’s team to the White House — a comment that sparked backlash on social media. Videos showed the men’s hockey team laughing in response.
In response, organizers say they wanted to refocus attention on the women’s achievement.
“We launched this because we refused to let a single moment pass where these women felt their gold was anything less than the biggest story in the country,” Jennifer Meyer, founder of Jennifer Bett Communications, said in an email statement to USA TODAY. “It’s about closing the recognition gap — not with criticism, but with joy.”
Meyer said the firm is curating the messages to create what she described as an “audio trophy of support” for the players.
Jennifer Bett Communications is coordinating with USA Hockey’s communications department to ensure the messages are delivered directly to the team.
How to congratulate the U.S. women’s hockey team
Fans can call 1-833-SHE-WON1 (1-833-743-9661) to leave a voicemail celebrating the team’s Olympic gold medal win.
Callers are prompted to record a message, which organizers say will be compiled and shared with the players.