WASHINGTON — The U.S. women’s hockey team, victors of the gold medal, has courteously declined an invitation from President Donald Trump to attend his State of the Union address this Tuesday.
“We are truly thankful for the invitation extended to our gold medal-winning U.S. Women’s Hockey Team and profoundly value the acknowledgment of their remarkable accomplishment,” the U.S. women’s squad stated in a declaration issued Monday. “Owing to the timing and pre-arranged scholastic and career obligations following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate. They felt privileged to be considered and are appreciative of the recognition.”
President Trump likewise extended an invitation to the U.S. men’s victorious team. Arranging their attendance will prove challenging, as the NHL schedule restarts with five games on Wednesday, and the PWHL recommences on Thursday. Both American hockey squads landed in Miami on Monday.
The White House offered no immediate reply to a query for a statement regarding the situation of both teams.
The Olympic tournament showcased two exhilarating championship matches, both concluding in extra time. The American women defeated Canada 2-1 in their gold medal showdown on Thursday, while the U.S. men overcame Canada on Sunday.
“It’s been a frenzy, it’s been astonishing. It’s an aspiration of ours, it was such a superb means of national unification,” Matthew Tkachuk of the U.S. men’s team remarked upon reaching Miami.
“We sensed the backing even while overseas, and now, having returned to our native land, we could feel it the instant the wheels touched down. We are tremendously thrilled to return to the foremost nation globally and ardent to rejoice.”
Tkachuk conveyed it was a privilege to receive communication from Trump following their victory. “And thus, we are assuredly privileged to stand for him and the countless individuals across the country.”
Vice President JD Vance was present for a pair of the U.S. women’s initial stage victories, accompanied by his family, during the inaugural week of the competitions.