Why Jake Guentzel turned down Trump’s State of the Union invitation

 Jake Guentzel, fresh off helping Team USA win Olympic gold, did not attend the White House visit or State of the Union. Instead, he stayed in Florida to prepare for the Tampa Bay Lightning’s NHL return. While President Donald Trump honored the team in Washington, Guentzel’s absence reflected his focus on the ongoing season and his commitment to his team’s Stanley Cup pursuit. Jake Guentzel, fresh off helping Team USA win Olympic gold, did not attend the White House visit or State of the Union. Instead, he stayed in Florida to prepare for the Tampa Bay Lightning’s NHL return. While President Donald Trump honored the team in Washington, Guentzel’s absence reflected his focus on the ongoing season and his commitment to his team’s Stanley Cup pursuit.