Ohio Dad Invites Gold Medal Hockey Team to His House

When Richard Kiley heard the US women's gold medal hockey team wasn't going to the White House, he knew exactly what to do. He picked up the phone and invited them to Ohio.

The 60-year-old dad became an unlikely Olympic star after his child Beks shared his enthusiastic updates from Milan on social media. His genuine excitement caught the attention of The Gist, a women's sports media brand, which named him "The Official Dad of the Olympics."

Kiley's favorite team to watch? The US women's hockey squad. He followed their journey with the same pride any father would show watching his own daughters compete.

His connection to women's hockey runs deep. Years ago, Kiley took his daughters to a women's hockey game at Ohio State University in an old arena with more players than fans. Fast forward to 2026, and he watched packed stadiums celebrate the team's gold medal victory.

"After this Olympics, I hope it doesn't fizzle, this excitement," Kiley said during the tournament.

When the team made headlines for declining a White House visit (after being mentioned in mocking tones during the men's team celebration), Kiley saw his moment. In a video posted by Beks, he extended a heartfelt invitation.

"Congratulations on your gold medal win," he said. "Since you're not going to the White House, you're welcome to come to my house here in Ohio."

When Beks laughed that his house couldn't fit the whole team, Kiley didn't miss a beat. He offered up his sister Kathy's place instead, joking that he'd find out when she was out of town. According to Beks, he's probably already buying decorations.

Sunny's Take

The hockey team hasn't responded yet, but they already sent Kiley something special. Team captain Hilary Knight recorded a personal thank you video during the Games, congratulating him on being the official dad of the Olympics and thanking him for championing women's sports.

For Beks, watching their dad go viral has been surreal but not surprising. "This story just proves that the world needs to see kindness right now," they told People Magazine. "He's seeing the dreams he instilled in my sister and me as kids come true, watching women's sports on the biggest stage, getting the attention and crowds they deserve."

Whether the team makes it to Ohio or not, Kiley's message landed: these athletes deserve to be celebrated by people who truly appreciate their achievement.