Caps G Holtby declines the invitation of the White House

Goaltender Braden Holtby has become the most prominent member of Washington's capital city to withdraw from the White House's scheduled visit to the White House on the occasion of their 2018 Stanley Cup championship celebration.

"It's one of those things you need to think about, but for me, I have to stay true to my values.I will respectfully decline the offer," said Holtby after the workout. Capitals in Arlington, Virginia.

"It's a difficult situation for everybody, to be forced to make a decision, you're a team, you want to stay together, whatever it is, I hope everyone will escape. you do not worry about who's going and who's not.For me, it's just a personal thing.I believe in what I believe in. In order to stick to these values I have to do what I think is right, but it does not make any difference in the decision of anyone else.We stick to each teammate and their decision.

Holtby was the goalkeeper for the 16 Capitals playoff wins, leading the playoffs with an average of 2.16 goals allowed. He said that other championship teams that chose not to attend White House ceremonies, or have not been invited, have created a climate in which athletes must make these decisions.

"Once the first team does not leave, it's up to all the other professional sports teams to make a decision, whether you're political or not, and our team tries to be as professional as possible. each player the right to choose and stay with each of us, regardless of what you decide, "he said.

The Capitals have announced this week that if they go to the White House on Monday, it would be a much quieter affair than previous visits to Stanley Cup champions. There will be no public ceremony or media availability, only a private meeting and a tour with President Donald Trump. As Holtby said, the players were blessed by the team so that they could participate in their own calls.

"I understand our players and their decisions and I respect them, they are allowed to make their own decisions and it's important to support them, whatever their decision," said Capitals coach Todd Reirden, who organized the celebration of the White House. "an incredible opportunity" for him and his players.

To the front Brett Connolly was another Capitals player who had publicly declined the invitation, claiming that it was a gesture of respect for teammate Devante Smith-Pelly, currently playing for the ########################################################################################### Affiliate of the American Hockey League. Smith-Pelly, one of two black Capitals players last year, said he would not go to the White House after winning the Cup because he believed [the president] spews are racist and sexist. "

Holtby and Connolly are both born in Canada. John Carlson and T.J. Oshie, the two most prominent US players in the capitals, have announced their participation, along with Russian-born captain Alex Ovechkin.

For Holtby, the decision was based on personal convictions for himself and his family. He was one of the most prominent supporters of the LGBTQ community in the NHL, including at local pride parades.

"That's one of the factors, but my family, myself, believe in a world where human beings are treated with respect, regardless of your stature or what you were born in. That's exactly where This decision must be made, and you are asked I am convinced that it is the right decision for me and my family, "he said.

Holtby said it was not a hard decision to refuse the White House's invitation.

"In the end, I never found myself in a situation where I felt comfortable.The most difficult thing is that I've always tried to live my life while" the team stays together ", so it was probably the most difficult, how the world is sometimes, we have to stick to what we believe in. In the future, I want to stick to what I believe in and move towards a world where people are treated equally, "he said.

The guard said that there was no friction in the locker room about decisions to attend or to refuse. "There is more than politics for some guys.There is a history and pride in the country.It's one of those cool things that has been a thing for a long time.That's why we respect [the decision] anyway, "said Holtby.

This is not the first time that the visit of the Stanley Cup champions to the White House conflicts with politics. the The Pittsburgh Penguins were criticized last season for deciding to attend a public ceremony at a time when the administration was quarreling with African American athletes from the NFL and the NBA. In 2012, Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas created a fire storm by not showing the White House his appearance at the White House with President Barack Obama because he said he believed "the federal government was become uncontrollable ".