OLYMPICS: US women's ice hockey team decline State of the Union invite – report

The U.S. women’s ice hockey team, which defeated rivals Canada to win gold at the Milano Cortina Olympics, has declined an invitation to attend President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address in Washington this week, citing schedule conflicts, multiple reports said Monday.

USA Hockey expressed gratitude for the invitation and recognition of the team’s Olympic triumph but confirmed the athletes would not be able to attend Trump’s speech to Congress at 9 p.m. ET (0200 GMT) on Tuesday.

“Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate,” USA Hockey said in a statement. “They were honored to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment.”

The women’s team secured a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory against Canada to claim Olympic gold last week.

The U.S. men’s team, which also beat Canada 2-1 in overtime to win gold in Milan, has been invited to attend the State of the Union, along with a White House event the following day. Their attendance has not yet been confirmed.

After the men’s victory, the players spoke with President Trump by phone while celebrating in their locker room, during which he extended the invitation.

-Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Editing by Pritha Sarkar/Reuters