Here are the five US men’s hockey stars who rejected Trump’s White House invitation
Just days after standing atop the podium in a historic Olympic triumph, the unity of the U.S. Men’s Ice Hockey team faced a different kind of test: a high-profile invitation to the White House. While the majority of the squad stood alongside President Donald Trump during his State of the Union address, five key players—including a heavy contingent from the hockey heartland of Minnesota—conspicuously declined the visit.
The snub follows a dramatic February 23 finale in which the United States edged out arch-rival Canada 2-1. The victory, secured in one of the most storied rivalries in international sports, sparked nationwide celebrations and a swift, televised congratulatory call from the 79-year-old President.
The Call That Sparked a Controversy
Footage of the post-game locker room celebrations quickly went viral, capturing a speakerphone exchange between Trump and the champions. During the call, the President offered to fly the team to Washington on a military aircraft to attend the “biggest speech” of the year.
“I’m gonna shake hands with everybody, but I gotta shake hands with that goalie,” Trump told the room, specifically praising Winnipeg Jets star Connor Hellebuyck, whose “stonewall” performance was credited with stifling the Canadian offense.
However, the celebratory mood soured for many viewers when the President addressed the logistics of the visit. “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,” Trump joked.
While the comment drew laughter from some in the locker room, it ignited a firestorm on social media. Critics labeled the remark “misogynistic” and “sexist,” while several members of the men’s team faced backlash for failing to challenge the President’s phrasing in the moment.
The Women’s Team: From the Capitol to the Strip
The U.S. Women’s Hockey team—a powerhouse that has medaled at every Olympic Games since the sport’s inception—effectively bypassed the political friction with a diplomatic exit.
In a statement released via NBC, a team spokesperson cited “timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments” as the reason the gold-medal winners would not be attending the White House event.
However, the team’s schedule wasn’t entirely booked. Shortly after declining the D.C. invite, the squad was seen celebrating in Las Vegas 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 celebratory Facebook post, further fueling the narrative of a team intentionally distancing itself from the administration.
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Empty Seats at the State of the Union
When the State of the Union commenced on February 24, President Trump took a moment to acknowledge the men’s team in attendance. “I recognize every one of you. I know every one of you. Big guys,” he stated.
Despite the President’s warm reception, five names were notably absent from the 25-man roster: Brock Nelson, Jackson LaCombe, Jake Guentzel, Jake Oettinger, and Kyle Connor.
Four of these athletes—Nelson, LaCombe, Guentzel, and Oettinger—hail from Minnesota, a state currently grappling with intense local tensions. A severe federal immigration crackdown has seen an increased presence of ICE agents across the state, alongside widespread protests following the high-profile deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good.
While online observers have been quick to link the players’ absences to the political climate of their home state, no official statement from the athletes has confirmed a political motive.
Professional Duty or Political Statement?
For his part, Kyle Connor—who plays professionally for the Winnipeg Jets—offered a purely athletic explanation. With the NHL season resuming immediately following the Olympic break, Connor told The Athletic that his focus was on the ice.
“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 said. His fellow absentees also play for NHL clubs with games scheduled for February 25, lending credence to the argument that logistical hurdles played a decisive role.
Jack Hughes, the New Jersey Devils center who netted the gold-medal-winning goal, stepped up to defend the team’s integrity and their relationship with the women’s squad.
“People are so negative about things,” Hughes said, per ESPN. “I think everyone in that locker room knows how much we support them… everything is so political. We’re athletes.” Hughes emphasized that the visit was an act of patriotism, stating, “When you get the chance to go to the White House and meet the President, we’re proud to be Americans.”
As the dust settles on the Winter Games, the divide between the locker room and the political arena remains a subject of intense national debate.