The United States men's hockey team, basking in the glory of a historic Olympic gold medal victory, made a celebratory visit to the White House on Tuesday to meet President Donald Trump. However, the occasion was marked by the notable absence of five team members who chose not to attend the high-profile event.
Historic Victory and White House Tradition
Fresh from their dramatic 2-1 overtime win against Canada at the Winter Olympics in Italy, the team's triumph marked the first men's hockey gold for the US since the legendary "Miracle on Ice" in 1980. Visiting the White House after such a significant sporting achievement is a long-standing tradition for American teams, offering a moment of national recognition and celebration.
Players Who Declined the Invitation
While twenty players participated in the visit, which included a tour of the White House and a photo opportunity in the Oval Office, five athletes opted out. The absent players were identified as Jake Guentzel of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Kyle Connor of the Winnipeg Jets, Colorado Avalanche forward Brock Nelson, Dallas Stars goalkeeper Jake Oettinger, and Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jackson LaCombe.
Reports indicate that some players had legitimate reasons for their absence. Brock Nelson chose to spend time with his family ahead of an upcoming game, while Kyle Connor focused on preparing for a midweek match, stating, "I'm just getting ready. We play on Wednesday. It's a big second half so I just wanted to make sure I was ready."
Trump's Enthusiastic Reception
President Trump, 79, warmly welcomed the champion athletes, greeting them with a handshake and the remark, "I recognize every one of you." The visit took a lighthearted turn when winger Matthew Tkachuk offered his gold medal to the president. Trump, seated behind the Resolute Desk, humorously declared, "I'm not giving it back," after placing the medal around his neck, which drew laughter from the assembled players and staff.
Additional Honors and Political Context
In a related gesture, the Department of Defense posted a photo on social media of goalkeeper Connor Hellebuyck holding a "Secretary of Defense" plaque, playfully captioning it "AMERICA'S SECRETARY OF DEFENSE!" Meanwhile, the US women's hockey team, which also secured gold in Italy, declined their White House invitation after audio surfaced of Trump telling the men's team he would face impeachment if he did not extend an invitation to the women as well.
This event follows a pattern of politically charged White House visits during Trump's presidency. In 2018, the Philadelphia Eagles had their invitation rescinded after many players planned to skip, and the Golden State Warriors declined a visit in 2017 due to political differences. The current visit underscores the ongoing tension between sports, tradition, and political expression in the United States.
