The US women's ice hockey team, which won gold at the Milan/Cortina Winter Olympics last week, has declined an invitation by President Donald Trump to attend his State of the Union address, US media reported on Monday.
"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," local media quoted a USA Hockey spokesperson as saying in a statement.
"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," the spokesperson added.
There was initially no official response from the White House.
The United States prevailed 2-1 in overtime over top favourites Canada in Italy on Thursday to claim a third women's ice hockey gold.
Following the victory over Canada on Sunday, Trump invited the gold medal-winning US men's team to attend his State of the Union address, scheduled for Tuesday in Washington.
In a video call with the men's team in the locker room following the gold medal match, Trump congratulated the players and briefly mentioned the women's team.
"I must tell you, we're going to have to bring the women's team. You do know that," Trump said, a comment which elicited laughter from the locker room. "I do believe I probably would be impeached," the president added jokingly.