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Brett Connolly on Trump White House visit: ‘I respectfully decline’

By Peter Hassett

 5 Comments

March 19, 2019 10:52 pm

Last summer, after the Caps won the Stanley Cup, Caps forward Brett Connolly said he would not visit the Trump White House. “It has nothing to do with politics,” Connolly said. “It’s about what’s right and wrong.”

On Tuesday, after scoring his twentieth goal of the season, Connolly said he stands by that decision.

The Washington Post’s Isabelle Khurshudyan reported that the Capitals will make their White House trip on Monday. Following Washington’s 4-1 win over New Jersey, the press asked players about the visit.

Connolly, a Canadian, was direct. “I respectfully decline,” he reportedly told the media.

Connolly’s reported statement was not included in the Capitals’ post-game video package or mentioned on NBC Sports Washington’s coverage.

Connolly’s initial statement in August of 2018 was one of solidarity with then-teammate Devante Smith-Pelly. In February, Smith-Pelly was assigned to Hershey, where he has been on a scoring tear of late. As a Cup winner, Smith-Pelly would presumably be invited to join the team in Washington on Monday.

Caps forward Tom Wilson was also asked about the visit. Wilson, also a Canadian, did not object. “I haven’t really thought about it much right now; we just finished a game,” Wilson said. “It’s another chance to recognize the special run we had last year. Anytime the group gets together and gets to see the Cup, and gets to be around it, it’s awesome. We’ll take it in stride and see where it goes from here and looking forward to celebrating that when we can.”

Head coach Todd Reirden called the visit “a great opportunity” and that he’d have a “statement” after the Lightning game on Wednesday.

Isabelle Khurshudyan also reported that Alex Ovechkin will make the trip, which is consistent with his prior statements.

Headline photo: Elsa

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