Why Team USA women’s hockey turned down invitation to White House State of the Union address originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The United States ended the Olympics with a bang, winning gold medals in both the men's and women's ice hockey events.
While the men return with a heroes welcome, including a potential appearance at the White House State of the Union on Tuesday night, the women won't be in attendance. President Donald Trump invited the men to the event in a phone call on Sunday, and seemingly acknowledged a backhanded invitation for the women against his own wishes.
"I must tell you, we're going to have to bring the women's team, you do know that," Trump told the team.
While it appears that the White House did give the women an official invitation to join on Tuesday, the team made the decision to turn it down in favor of returning to their professional or collegiate lives.
Here's why the women's hockey team will not be in Washington D.C. on Tuesday night.
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Why Team USA women's hockey declined State of the Union invitation
In a statement, the United States women's hockey team said it turned down the invitation to attend the State of the Union due to logistical issues.
"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. Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate. They were honored to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment."
The women who play in the Professional Women’s Hockey League will resume their season over this weekend, with the first game being Thursday when the Montreal Victoire play the New York Sirens. Additionally, those still in college will return to their schools for games beginning on Friday.
Of the 23 players on Team USA's women's hockey roster, 16 play professionally in the PWHL while seven play for their college teams.
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