Veteran NHL player issues statement criticizing Team USA’s White House visit

Team USA’s gold medal-winning men’s hockey team visited the White House on Tuesday, where they were welcomed by President Donald Trump ahead of the State of the Union address.

Among those in attendance were captain Auston Matthews, along with Dylan Larkin, Matthew Tkachuk, Charlie McAvoy, Connor Hellebuyck, Brady Tkachuk, Brock Faber, Jack Eichel, Jack Hughes and Quinn Hughes, who were seen entering the Oval Office.

Team USA has entered The White House 🤝 pic.twitter.com/KIqF7V3IXB

— Spittin’ Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) February 24, 2026

The visit, however, was not without controversy.

Several players — including Colorado Avalanche forward Brock Nelson, Tampa Bay Lightning forward Jake Guentzel, Anaheim Ducks defenceman Jackson LaCombe, Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger and Winnipeg Jets forward Kyle Connor — declined the invitation and instead returned to their respective NHL clubs.

Guentzel issued a brief statement through the Tampa Bay Lightning indicating he was focused on preparing for the team’s upcoming game. Connor similarly rejoined the Winnipeg Jets for practice. While none of the players publicly criticised the visit, their absence drew attention given the political backdrop.

The strongest response came from veteran defenceman Jon Merrill, who released a statement through his anti-bullying initiative, Hockey’s Beauty Club. In the statement, Merrill criticised both the President and members of the men’s team over remarks perceived as mocking the gold medal-winning women’s squad.

The situation has added a political dimension to what would otherwise have been a celebratory visit, highlighting the differing perspectives within the hockey community.