Just days after clinching a dramatic Olympic gold medal, several members of the U.S. men’s hockey team – including four players from Minnesota – chose not to meet President Donald Trump, declining his invitation to visit the White House.
On Feb. 23, the United States defeated Canada 2-1 in a tightly contested Olympic final, securing gold in one of the most anticipated matchups of the Winter Games. The rivalry between the two nations, long considered hockey powerhouses, added extra intensity to the win, which was celebrated across the country.
Footage from the locker room shortly after the victory quickly spread online. In the video, President Trump, 79, called the team to congratulate them and extended a high-profile invitation.
“I could send a military plane or something, if you would like to – it’s the coolest night, it’s the biggest speech,” Trump reportedly said in the call.
“I’m gonna shake hands with everybody, but I gotta shake hands with that goalie,” Trump told the team referencing Connor Hellebuyck, the Winnipeg Jets goalie who stonewalled Canada in the final.
‘Have to bring the women’s team’
The video, which amassed millions of views on social media, initially captured the excitement of the moment. But the tone shifted when the president added: “I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that…I do believe I probably would be impeached.”
The remark prompted laughter in the room, but online reaction was swift, with critics describing the comment as misogynistic and sexist. Attention also turned to members of the men’s team, some of whom were criticized for not pushing back against the statement.
Women party with Flavor Flav instead
The controversy deepened when the US women’s hockey team – which also won Olympic gold this year and has medaled at every Games since the sport was introduced – responded to the invitation.
“We are sincerely grateful for the invitation extended to our gold medal–winning U.S. Women’s Hockey Team and deeply appreciate the recognition of their extraordinary achievement,” a team spokesperson said, per NBC. “Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate.”
But the team instead accepted an invitation to celebrate with rapper Flavor Flav.
“Declined an invite to the White House and accepted an invite to party with Flavor Flav in Vegas. I love women’s sports,” the rapper confirmed in a Facebook post.
With the women opting out, focus shifted back to the men’s team and whether they would attend the White House event as planned.
White House visit – and notable absences
During the State of the Union on Feb. 24, the US men’s hockey team went ahead with the visit.
According to AP, Trump addressed the players during the event, saying: “I recognize every one of you. I know every one of you. Big guys.”
Most of the 25-player roster stood in attendance. However, The Guardian reports that five names were absent: Brock Nelson, Jackson LaCombe, Jake Guentzel, Jake Oettinger, and Kyle Connor.
Four of the missing players – Nelson, LaCombe, Guentzel, and Oettinger – were born or raised in Minnesota, while Nelson and Connor are from Michigan.
The state has recently faced heightened tensions following a severe immigration crackdown under Trump’s administration. In recent months, there has been an increased presence of ICE agents and protests connected to the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good.
There has been no official confirmation linking the players’ absence to political developments in Minnesota, and no statements from the athletes suggesting that was their reason for missing the visit. The connection has largely been drawn by observers online.
‘Just getting ready’
Connor, who plays for the Winnipeg Jets in Canada, publicly explained his decision. With the NHL season resuming, he said he chose to prioritize preparation.
“I’m just getting ready. We play on [Feb. 25]. It’s a big second half, so I just wanted to make sure I was ready,” Connor told The Athletic.
Like Connor, the other absent players are also members of NHL teams scheduled to compete [Feb. 25], suggesting logistical and professional commitments may have influenced their decisions.
Jack Hughes plays defense
Later, Jack Hughes, who scored the game-winning goal in the gold-medal final, defended the group’s reaction and voiced his support for the women’s team.
According to he said the men’s squad was “proud” of the women’s achievements.
“People are so negative about things,” said Hughes, who played on the men’s Olympic team with brother Quinn, per ESPN. “I think everyone in that locker room knows how much we support them, how proud we are of them, and we know the same way we feel about them; they feel about us.”
“Yeah, we’re excited. Everything is so political. We’re athletes,” Hughes, a center for the New Jersey Devils said, adding, “We’re so proud to represent the US and when you get the chance to go to White House and meet the President, we’re proud to be Americans and that’s so patriotic.”
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