The U.S. women's ice hockey team that captured Olympic gold last week has turned down President Trump's invitation to Tuesday's State of the Union address. USA Hockey says the players have scheduling conflicts with academic and professional obligations following their return from the Milano Cortina Olympics.
The United States women’s ice hockey squad that claimed Olympic gold by defeating Canada last week will not be attending President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday evening, multiple news outlets reported Monday.
The team’s absence from the 9 p.m. congressional address stems from scheduling conflicts, according to USA Hockey officials who expressed appreciation for the presidential invitation while acknowledging the honor of having their recent Olympic victory recognized.
“Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate,” USA Hockey said in a statement. “They were honored to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment.”
The women’s squad secured their gold medal triumph in dramatic fashion, edging out Canada 2-1 in an overtime showdown at the Milano Cortina Olympics last week.
Meanwhile, the U.S. men’s ice hockey team, which also claimed gold by defeating Canada with an identical 2-1 overtime victory in Milan, has received invitations to both Tuesday’s State of the Union and a White House celebration scheduled for Wednesday. Their attendance remains unconfirmed.
Following their championship win, the men’s team received a congratulatory phone call from Trump in their locker room, during which the president extended the invitation to visit Washington.
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