The US men’s hockey team have come under fire for visiting the White House after taking Olympic gold, although several players did not attend.
After the men’s side secured gold at the Winter Olympics, president Donald Trump invited the group to attend the state of the union address.
During remarks to the squad, Trump drew criticism for a joke aimed at the US women’s team, saying ‘I do believe I probably would be impeached’ if he didn’t invite them as well — a line that was met with loud laughter from the men.
The comment was widely viewed as dismissive of the women’s team, with some describing it as a ‘misogynistic disgusting a** joke’.
The women’s ice hockey team also delivered for Team USA, winning gold in dramatic fashion with a 2-1 victory over Canada.
However, not every member of the men’s roster made the White House trip, with players giving different explanations for missing the appearance.
Those absent reportedly included Kyle Connor, Dallas goaltender Jake Oettinger, Avalanche forward Brock Nelson, Lightning winger Jake Guentzel, and Ducks defenseman Jackson LaCombe.
According to reports, scheduling issues and upcoming games were key reasons several players couldn’t be there.
Connor was back with the Jets on Tuesday preparing for a matchup against the Canucks, while Oettinger returned to Dallas on Turesday ahead of a game against the Kraken.
Guentzel also traveled back to Tampa that day, though he skipped practice to rest before another fixture.
LaCombe, meanwhile, was still in transit on his way back to California.
Elsewhere, celebrations after the men’s win produced a surprising scene, with FBI director Kash Patel joining the locker-room festivities and reportedly sharing beers with players.
Jack Hughes, who scored the decisive goal, addressed the backlash by saying ‘people are so negative out there.’
He added: “Everything is so political. We’re athletes. When you get the chance to go to the White House and meet the president, we’re proud to be Americans, and that’s so patriotic.”
In contrast, the women’s team declined an invitation from the president, pointing to ‘timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments’.
Rapper Flavor Flav later offered to help the women’s hockey team celebrate, encouraging brands to assist with flying them to Las Vegas for a large party. He has since widened the offer to all female Team USA medallists, telling supporters: “Support women’s sports!”