Capitals star goalie declines White House visit

The star goalie of the Washington Capitals said Friday he will not join the team’s visit to the White House to celebrate their Stanley Cup victory.

“It’s one of those things you have to think about, but for me, I have to stay true to my values,” Braden Holtby told reporters Friday after a team practice, according to ESPN. “I’m going to respectfully decline the offer.”

{mosads}”For me, it’s just a personal thing,” he continued. Holtby did not mention President Trump or the administration directly.

“I believe in what I believe in. In order to stick to those values, I have to do what I think is right, but that doesn’t make a difference in anyone else’s decision,” Holtby said. “We stick by every teammate and their decision.”

Holtby was in goal for all 16 of the Capitals’ playoff games last season, and led the NHL in average saves per game in the postseason.

Holtby reportedly addressed decisions from other teams to avoid the Trump White House for their traditional championship visits. 

“Once the first team doesn’t go, it puts the onus on every other team in professional sports to make a decision, if you’re political or not. Our team is trying to take the most professional way we can,” Holtby said.

The NBA’s Golden State Warriors have declined invitations to visit the White House from President Trump. Trump also canceled a visit from the Philadelphia Eagles after their Super Bowl win after only a few players said they would attend.

Holtby’s coach, Todd Rierden, told ESPN the team supports his decision.

“I understand our players and their decisions and I respect it. They’re allowed to make their own decisions. It’s important that we support them in whatever decision that they make,” Rierden said.