What Happened
The U.S. Olympic men’s ice hockey team visited the White House on Tuesday to celebrate their gold medal victory over Canada in the 2026 Winter Olympics. President Donald Trump welcomed the team, acknowledging their achievement and shaking hands with the players present. However, five members of the roster, including Jackson LaCombe, were notably absent from the event.
Why It Matters
The absence of LaCombe and four other players—Brock Nelson, Jake Guentzel, Jake Oettinger, and Kyle Connor—highlights the ongoing commitments of NHL players as the league resumes its season shortly after the Olympics. LaCombe, who plays for the Anaheim Ducks, along with his teammates, prioritized their professional obligations over attending the White House ceremony. This decision reflects the balancing act athletes must navigate between national recognition and their careers in professional sports.
What’s Next
While the majority of the Olympic team attended the White House event, the five absent players are expected to focus on their respective NHL teams as they prepare for the resumption of the season. The NHL games are set to resume on Wednesday, and players like LaCombe will be looking to contribute to their teams’ success in the second half of the season.
