Brock Nelson among 5 US men's hockey players not in Washington

Colorado Avalanche forward Brock Nelson was among five members of the U.S. men’s hockey team to skip a trip to the White House and President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, according to multiple reports.

Trump invited the team after its 2-1 overtime win over Canada on Feb. 22 in the gold medal game of the Olympics in Milan, Italy. Twenty of the 25 players went to Washington, and Trump honored them during his address.

Nelson was back in Colorado on Feb. 24 — alongside three Avs teammates who played for Canada in the gold medal game, the Denver Post reported. Nelson came back to spend time with his family, the social media post said.

Trump’s invitation triggered backlash against the team, as many players appeared to laugh at Trump’s joke that he would have to invite the women’s team as well or risk being impeached. The women won their gold medal on Feb. 19, also by beating Canada 2-1 in overtime.

Trump invited the women’s team after inviting the men, but the women’s team declined the invitation.

Which US men’s hockey players did not go to Washington?

In addition to Nelson, four players skipped both a tour of the White House and the State of the Union:

Dallas Stars goalie Jake Oettinger
Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jackson LaCombe

Three more players — Auston Matthews, Clayton Keller and Dylan Larkin — were in Washington but were not seen at the address.

Why did the US women’s hockey team decline a trip to the White House?

Officially, the team declined because of 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,” a team spokesperson told USA TODAY. “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.”

Some suggested the team declined the invitation in response to Trump’s joke, and alternative celebrations were offered including a parade in Denver and a celebration with Flavor Flav in Las Vegas.

Trump said in his speech the women’s hockey team will visit the White House at a later date.

Nate Trela covers trending news in Colorado and Utah for the USA TODAY Network.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: 5 US men’s hockey players skip DC trip. Why didn’t Avs star go?

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