Stars' Jake Oettinger skips White House trip after Olympic gold

Goaltender prioritized getting back to NHL team and family over White House visit

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger opted to skip the U.S. men's hockey team's White House visit after winning gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics, citing a desire to rejoin his NHL club and spend time with his 3-month-old baby. Oettinger, who served as the backup goalie during the Olympic tournament, said he wanted to get his game ready for the Stars' stretch run rather than make the trip to Washington.

Why it matters

Oettinger's decision highlights the challenges professional athletes face in balancing national team commitments with their club responsibilities, especially when major events like the Olympics and the NHL season overlap. His choice to prioritize his NHL duties over the White House visit also reflects the personal considerations, like spending time with family, that factor into these decisions.

The details

Oettinger, 27, was one of five U.S. men's hockey players who skipped the White House trip, along with Brock Nelson, Jackson LaCombe, Jake Guentzel, and Kyle Connor. Three others, including captain Auston Matthews, attended the White House but did not go to the State of the Union address. The rest of the roster toured the White House and attended the presidential address after landing in Miami and traveling to Washington, D.C.

  • Oettinger returned to Dallas and practiced with the Stars on Wednesday, three days after the U.S. won gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.
  • The U.S. men's hockey team received its invitation from President Donald Trump during a phone call placed to the locker room following the gold-medal win.

The players

Jake Oettinger

A 27-year-old goaltender for the Dallas Stars who served as the backup for the U.S. men's hockey team at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Auston Matthews

The captain of the U.S. men's hockey team, who attended the White House visit but did not go to the State of the Union address.

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What they’re saying

“Getting invited to the White House is a tremendous honor. I've basically been living in Italy for a month. I have a huge stretch run. I wasn't playing much.”

— Jake Oettinger (clutchpoints.com)

“I wanted to get back and get my game ready to go. I also have a 3-month-old baby at home that I've been traveling the world with, so that's what went into that, I think those guys had a great time there (at the White House), but that's why I didn't go.”

— Jake Oettinger (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

Oettinger is expected to rejoin the Stars' lineup and play a key role in the team's push for the playoffs as they try to catch the Colorado Avalanche in the Central Division.

The takeaway

Oettinger's decision to skip the White House visit highlights the complex considerations professional athletes face when balancing national team commitments with their club responsibilities and personal lives. His choice to prioritize his NHL duties and family time over the ceremonial event underscores the challenges of navigating these high-profile obligations.