Brett Connolly will not be joining his Washington Capitals teammates when they visit the White House on Monday.
The Caps are set to visit the White House to be honored for winning the Stanley Cup last year. When the subject first arose last year, Connolly and teammate Devante Smith-Pelly said they would not be going. Smith-Pelly, who is black, is now in the AHL, but Connolly is maintaining his position.
Brett Connolly said he stands by his decision not to go to the White House. Said he’s supporting a good friend who he agreed with (Devante Smith-Pelly).
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) March 20, 2019
Capitals winger Brett Connolly said he will not visit the White House on Monday.
“I respectfully decline.”
— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) March 20, 2019
Russian-born Caps star Alex Ovechkin said he would be going. He is a big supporter of Russian president Vladimir Putin, who has been accused of helping Donald Trump win the presidential election in the US.
The Capitals won their first Stanley Cup in franchise history by beating Vegas in the finals last year. Their visit will continue the tradition of Stanley Cup champs being honored by the current president. The Philadelphia Eagles and Golden State Warriors are recent champions that did not visit the White House.
