Olympic gold medal-winning hockey player Jake Guentzel has declined Trump’s invite to the White House and the State of the Union and His Reason is what no-one expected…

Tampa Bay Lightning forward and Olympic gold medalist Jake Guentzel has declined President Donald Trump’s invitation to join the U.S. men’s hockey team at the White House and for tonight’s State of the Union address, according to multiple reports.

Guentzel, who helped Team USA secure its first men’s hockey gold since 1980 with a dramatic 2-1 overtime victory over Canada in Milan on Sunday, was among five players who opted out of the trip. The others include Kyle Connor (Winnipeg Jets), Brock Nelson (Colorado Avalanche), Jake Oettinger (Dallas Stars), and Jackson LaCombe (Anaheim Ducks).

Sources close to the Lightning indicate Guentzel returned to Tampa to rest and prepare for his club’s upcoming NHL game on Wednesday, prioritizing his professional commitments as the league season resumes post-Olympics. No political motivation has been cited for his decision.

The invitation came during a postgame phone call from Trump to the celebrating team in Milan, where he congratulated them and extended offers to attend the State of the Union and visit the White House. Most of the squad accepted, with around 20 players making the journey to D.C.

This follows the U.S. women’s hockey team, also gold medal winners, collectively declining the same invitation due to scheduling conflicts.

Guentzel’s absence has drawn attention amid the national celebration of the historic Olympic triumph, but reports emphasize logistical and team priorities over any broader statement. The Lightning are expected to welcome him back for practice ahead of their next matchup.