The U.S. men’s hockey team, which won gold at the Olympics, was invited to the White House by President Donald Trump for a celebratory visit. During the event, photos and videos circulated on social media showcasing the players present. However, it was noted that five notable players were absent from the visit, raising questions about their absence amid the excitement of the Olympic win.

The players who did not attend included goalie Jake Oettinger from the Dallas Stars, defenseman Jackson LaCombe from the Anaheim Ducks, and forwards Jake Guentzel from the Tampa Bay Lightning, Brock Nelson from the Colorado Avalanche, and Kyle Connor from the Winnipeg Jets. Their absence was largely attributed to the fact that they had games scheduled for the evening between Wednesday and Thursday, coinciding with their return to NHL action post-Olympic break. This highlights the tight scheduling of the NHL season in relation to international tournaments.

Additionally, while some players had games swiftly following the visit, others, like Connor Hellebuyck and Jack Hughes, were participating in the festivities after their respective teams had also reached crucial playoff stages. Connor himself expressed his decision to miss the visit, citing personal reasons. The event remains a symbolic occasion for the team, reflecting the intersection of sports, national pride, and politics in the U.S.