US men's ice hockey star explains Donald Trump White House snub

Five members of the triumphant US men's ice hockey team were not present for the White House visit after being invited by Donald Trump.

Team USA enjoyed a huge amount of success at the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, finishing second in the overall medal table behind Norway with 33.

There were 12 golds for the US, including a historic victory for the men’s ice hockey team after they beat Canada 2-1 courtesy of an overtime goal from Jack Hughes.

The USA women’s team also beat Canada by the same scoreline earlier in competition.

The win was a first gold for the men in the sport since 1980 and saw the team receive an invite for a special visit to see the President at the Oval Office.

Addressing the players as they arrived, Trump said: "I recognise every one of you. I know every one of you".

When Matthew Tkachuk allowed Trump to hold his medal, he joked: "I’m not giving it back".

USA hockey stars were presented at the White House. Image: Getty

However, not every member of the squad was in attendance. Brock Nelson, Jackson LaCombe, Jake Guentzel, Jake Oettinger and Kyle Connor were all missing.

Four of the aforementioned players are from Minnesota, a state severely impacted by aggressive efforts from ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and the Trump administration and that was touted as a potential reason.

However, it has since been cleared up. All the players could not make the White Office as they returned to their respective NHL teams, with action resuming on Wednesday after a break to allow participation in the Olympics.

Guentzel, who plays for Tampa Bay Lightning, was given permission to head to Washington, D.C but made the decision to join up with his team ahead of their game with the Maple Leafs.

Speaking to reporters, he explained: "I was definitely not denying the request to go.

"It would obviously be a dream come true to go, I was fortunate to go in 2017 when Trump was in office.

"[But] we've got a lot of games coming up the rest of the year, it's going to be a tough schedule."

"So, two weeks of Olympic break, thought it would be good to come home, rest and recover and try to spend some time with my family before we get going."

In a controversial conversation over the phone after their win, Trump told the men's team: “I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team. I’d probably be impeached [if the women’s team wasn’t invited].”

Five players were missing from the visit. Image: Getty

USA women passed on White House invite

The women's team were indeed invited but in a statement released through a USA Hockey spokesperson, the team explained they were unable to attend due to other participants.

"We are sincerely grateful for the invitation extended to our gold medal-winning U.S. Women’s Hockey Team and deeply appreciate the recognition of their extraordinary achievement,” the spokesperson said.

“Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate. They were honoured to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgement.”

In a State of the Union address, Trump announced that goaltender Connor Hellebuyck would be given the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his heroics.

He also appeared to hint that the women's side would come to the White House at a later date.

Speaking inside the House Chamber of the U.S Capitol, Trump said: “They (the men's team) beat a fantastic Canadian team in overtime as everybody saw, as did the American women, who will soon be coming to the White House."