Tim Thomas, one of two American players on last year’s roster, chose not to attend the ceremony. During his six-minute speech in the East Room, Obama mentioned Thomas for his performance in the Stanley Cup Final and how he was only the second American to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as postseason MVP.
“I believe the federal government has grown out of control, threatening the rights, liberties, and property of the people,’’ Thomas said in a statement on his Facebook page. “This is being done at the executive, legislative, and judicial level. This is in direct opposite to the Constitution and the Founding Fathers’ vision for the federal government. Because I believe this, today I exercised my right as a free citizen and did not visit the White House. This was not about politics or party, as in my opinion, both parties are responsible for the situation we are in as a country. This was about a choice I had to make as an individual.’’
Bruins president Cam Neely released a statement on the Bruins’ website.
“As an organization we were honored by President Obama’s invitation to the White House. It was a great day and a perfect way to cap our team’s achievement from last season. It was a day that none of us will soon forget. We are disappointed that Tim chose not to join us, and his views certainly do not reflect those of the Jacobs family or the Bruins organization. This will be the last public comment from the Bruins organization on this subject.’’
General manager Peter Chiarelli spoke with Thomas several times about attending the ceremony over the last few months.
Chiarelli said the event was not mandatory. Ex-Bruins Tomas Kaberle, Mark Recchi, and Shane Hnidy were in attendance, as was Steven Kampfer, the other American from last year’s roster. Kaberle’s Canadiens are off until tomorrow. Michael Ryder couldn’t attend because the Dallas Stars host the Ducks tonight.
