Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger has returned to Dallas and will not participate in Team USA’s planned visit to the White House or attend the State of the Union address, team officials confirmed to WFAA. Oettinger, who was the backup goalie for the U.S. men’s hockey team at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, is among several players heading home directly from Italy, foregoing the Washington D.C. trip.
Preparation Resumes Ahead of NHL Match Against Seattle Kraken
Oettinger is expected to be on the ice for the Stars’ morning skate at American Airlines Center on Wednesday, preparing for their NHL game against the Seattle Kraken that same night. This game marks Dallas’ return after a three-week NHL hiatus caused by the Winter Olympics schedule. His 23 wins this season rank third among NHL goaltenders.
White House Invitation Extended Following Olympic Gold Victory
The U.S. men’s hockey team received an invitation from then-President Trump to attend the State of the Union and visit the White House after their 2-1 gold medal victory over Canada. A video circulating on social media showed Trump making the invitation during a locker room phone call to the team, joking that the U.S. women’s hockey team—also Olympic gold medalists—would need an invitation to avoid criticism for excluding them.
Women’s Team Does Not Attend, Citing Travel Complications
The women’s hockey team declined the White House invitation, citing scheduling conflicts. Most of the women’s squad did not arrive back in North America until Monday evening after a commercial flight landing in Atlanta. A source, speaking anonymously to The Associated Press, revealed that the women’s players only learned of the invitation late Sunday night, making any travel adjustments difficult.
Military Transport and White House Tour for the Men’s Team
During the call, President Trump suggested using a military plane to transport the men’s team from Italy to the U.S. Photos posted on social media by Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk showed players posing and celebrating near what appeared to be a U.S. government aircraft. After arriving at the White House, members of the team were photographed by the South Portico and seen walking along the West Wing colonnade, close to the Oval Office, where presidential portraits hang. These images were shared online by one of Trump’s aides.
Dallas Stars’ Position in the NHL Post-Olympic Break
Following the Olympic pause, the NHL regular season resumed Wednesday with five games, including Dallas versus Seattle. Dallas currently sits third in the Central Division behind the Colorado Avalanche and Minnesota Wild but holds the fifth-best overall NHL record. This positioning highlights the Stars’ strength despite the break.
Significance of Oettinger’s Absence and What to Watch Next
Oettinger skipping the White House visit brings attention to differing player choices following Olympic commitments, reflecting the pressures and logistical challenges athletes face during international tournaments. His return to Dallas ensures the team has a top-performing goalie ready for a critical game after the NHL pause. Fans and analysts will be watching how the Stars carry momentum forward with Oettinger back in net as the league advances through the season.
