Five Team USA Hockey Players Absent as White House Invitation Follows Olympic Gold Win

This week, Team USA’s Olympic gold medal win in men’s hockey was celebrated at the White House, but not all players were present.

After the U.S. men’s hockey team won the Olympic gold medal in a thrilling 2-1 overtime win over Canada, five players reportedly declined President Donald Trump’s invitation. Kyle Connor, Jake Guentzel, Brock Nelson, Jackson LaCombe, and Jake Oettinger were absent.

During the championship run, Guentzel and Nelson started, while Connor, LaCombe, and Oettinger were extras. The reports did not explain their absence.

The invitation followed an emotional Sunday gold-medal game. After the final whistle confirmed Team USA’s win over Canada, President Trump video called the players. Kash Patel joined the team in the locker room for the celebration and put out his phone for the president to address them.

President Trump complimented the athletes and invited them to his State of the Union address in Washington, D.C. Several players shouted, “We’re in!”

The White House invitation rapidly gained widespread attention. President Trump discussed inviting the Olympic gold-winning U.S. women’s hockey team while congratulating the men’s squad. He warned that not inviting the women’s squad could lead to criticism and impeachment.

The US women’s hockey team declined the White House invitation. Flava Flav made a separate offer to the team. Flava Flav welcomed the women’s squad to Las Vegas for a celebratory meal, concert, and entertainment event on social media platform X. He also urged hotel and airline partners help organize the party.

Championship teams have frequently visited the White House as a symbol of national sporting excellence. Some sportsmen miss such tournaments for personal or professional reasons because attendance is voluntary.

The USA’s overtime win over Canada was a milestone in Olympic hockey. The 2-1 final score showed a close fight between two longtime rivals. Patriotism and rejoicing led to the invitation to Washington after the win.

As the White House visit is discussed, Team USA’s ice performance is emphasized. No matter who attended the post-victory celebration, the gold-medal performance defined the players and American hockey fans.

No other player attendance data have been released by the White House. The State of the Union address and surrounding festivities went as planned in D.C.

This It highlights the sporting victory and the national attention that often follows significant international successes. The team’s Olympic gold, won in overtime against a longtime adversary, is the big narrative, even though some players were absent from the White House celebration.

Sources

The White House
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Team USA (United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee)
Official Olympic Games Reports and Post-Game Coverage