{"id":11834,"date":"2026-02-26T23:09:06","date_gmt":"2026-02-26T23:09:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tbdig.com\/sirbenet\/?p=11834"},"modified":"2026-02-26T23:09:06","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T23:09:06","slug":"five-u-s-mens-hockey-players-decline-white-house-visit-after-olympic-gold","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tbdig.com\/sirbenet\/five-u-s-mens-hockey-players-decline-white-house-visit-after-olympic-gold\/","title":{"rendered":"Five U.S. Men\u2019s Hockey Players Decline White House Visit After Olympic Gold"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Days after winning a dramatic Olympic gold medal, several members of the U.S. men\u2019s hockey team chose not to attend a White House visit with President Donald Trump<\/strong>, according to multiple media reports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On February 23, the United States defeated Canada<\/strong> 2\u20131 in a closely contested Olympic final, securing gold in one of the most anticipated matchups of the Winter Games. Video from the team\u2019s locker room later circulated online showing the president congratulating the players by phone and extending an invitation to visit the White House.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Continue reading on next page\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

During the call, Trump congratulated the team and referenced standout goaltender Connor Hellebuyck<\/strong> for his performance in the final. The exchange drew wide attention on social media and news platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

White House Visit and Absences<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The U.S. men\u2019s hockey team later attended a White House event connected to the State of the Union address. Most of the roster was present, but five players were not in attendance: Brock Nelson<\/strong>, Jackson LaCombe<\/strong>, Jake Guentzel<\/strong>, Jake Oettinger<\/strong>, and Kyle Connor<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No official statements have been issued by the team linking the absences to political views or disagreements. Observers on social media speculated about possible reasons, but there is no confirmation supporting those claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scheduling and Professional Commitments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the players who did not attend, Kyle Connor of the Winnipeg Jets<\/strong>, explained that his decision was based on preparing for upcoming NHL games as the season resumed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m just getting ready. We play soon, and it\u2019s a big second half of the season,\u201d Connor told The Athletic<\/strong>, noting that his focus was on team responsibilities. The other absent players also had NHL games scheduled around the same time, suggesting scheduling and professional commitments may have played a role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Support for Women\u2019s Hockey Team<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The U.S. women\u2019s hockey team, which also earned gold at the Games, was unable to attend a White House visit due to prior commitments, according to a team spokesperson. Players from both teams publicly expressed mutual support and appreciation for each other\u2019s achievements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Forward Jack Hughes<\/strong>, who scored the game-winning goal in the final, said the men\u2019s team was proud of the women\u2019s success and emphasized unity between the programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No Official Reason Given<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At this time, there is no confirmed explanation for why the five players missed the White House visit. Team representatives and the athletes themselves have not indicated that politics influenced their decisions. The situation highlights how scheduling, professional obligations, and personal circumstances can affect attendance at ceremonial events following major sports victories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The players and team continue to prepare for the remainder of the professional season, following their Olympic success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And no, we're not tired of winning yet. pic.twitter.com\/mrKYmBvGPN<\/a><\/p>— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 24, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>