What Happened
Members of the U.S. men’s hockey team, fresh off their Olympic gold medal victory, were invited to attend President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address. However, five players, including Jackson LaCombe, opted not to attend the event. Reports indicate that LaCombe, along with Brock Nelson, Jake Oettinger, Kyle Connor, and Jake Guentzel, chose to return to their home cities ahead of the NHL season resuming.
Why It Matters
The U.S. men’s hockey team’s gold medal win at the 2026 Winter Olympics has garnered significant attention, and their attendance at the State of the Union was seen as a way to honor their achievement. The decision of several players to decline the invitation has sparked discussions about the balance between personal commitments and public appearances, especially following a high-profile victory.
What’s Next
While the majority of the team is in Washington, D.C., attending the State of the Union, those who declined are expected to focus on their NHL commitments as the season resumes. The absence of key players like LaCombe may impact team dynamics as they prepare for upcoming games.
