President Barack Obama welcomed Boston Bruins players, coaches and management to the White House today in recognition of the team's 2011 Stanley Cup title.
In addition, a press release from Obama for America's New Hampshire office stated the Bruins were also congratulated for their work off the ice.
The White House says the Boston Bruins Foundation has donated more than $7 million to various charities in six New England states.
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Noticeably absent from the festivities, however, was Boston's star goaltender, Tim Thomas.
According to a report from the Boston Globe, Thomas declined the visit for political reasons. Sports Illustrated says's he'll explain his reasons on his Facebook page at 6 p.m.
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“I can require someone to attend a team event. If they don’t, I can suspend him,” Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli told the Globe. “I’m not suspending Tim. Whatever his position is, it isn’t reflective of the Boston Bruins nor my own. But I’m not suspending him.”
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