Page 21 - ARUBA TODAY

A21
SPORTS Tuesday 26 March 2019

Trump hosts Stanley Cup champion Capitals at White House

By STEPHEN WHYNO
AP Hockey Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — Presi-
dent Donald Trump wel-
comed Alex Ovechkin and
the reigning NHL champion
Washington Capitals to the
Oval Office on Monday
to congratulate them for
winning the Stanley Cup in
June.
Trump said it was an honor
to host the team because
he is a hockey fan and a
Capitals fan. The president
called the Capitals “win-
ners” and said there is “an
awfully good chance” they
will repeat this season.
“You brought the Stanley
Cup home,” Trump said.
“Thousands of adoring fans
greeted you. They were all
over the place. And I have
a feeling you’re going to
be doing it again. You’re
champions. You have a
champion’s heart.”
Players, coaches and staff
members took a private
45-minute tour of the White
House and met with Trump President Donald Trump, center, shakes hands with Alex Ovechkin, second from left, the captain and MVP of the 2018 Stanley Cup
in what was a last chance Champion Washington Capitals hockey team, during a visit to the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Monday, March
to be around hockey’s sa- 25, 2019.
cred trophy as defending Associated Press
champions. and his teammates ex- hat. Trump called daughter Mueller’s report that found tures with players and staff
“It’s a good reminder of plained their stances on Ivanka a friend and fan of no evidence Trump’s cam- and gave them pens and
the special things that our going or declining while Ovechkin’s, compared him paign “conspired or coor- M&Ms before they
group did,” coach Todd also shifting the focus back to Babe Ruth and also sin- dinated” with Russia to in- left.
Reirden said after practice to the ice where the Capi- gled out owner Ted Leonsis fluence the 2016 presiden- Leonsis called visiting the
earlier Monday. “That will tals are trying to repeat as and American defense- tial election but reached Oval Office a “true thrill for
kind of put a wrap on it and champions like the rival man John Carlson during no conclusion on whether all of the players and the
the final chapter of that Pittsburgh Penguins did. his remarks. Trump obstructed justice. organization.”
moving forward into finish- “The more important thing Trump called Ovechkin a Trump did not take ques- Carlson said: “It’s an honor
ing up the regular season is we’re just gearing up for “very special athlete, a tions from reporters. to be here. I think all of us
here and moving some of a playoff run, and (differ- great player.” Several Capitals players looked very much forward
that success into playoffs ent decisions on going or “It’s huge honor for us to be said going to the White to it.”
this year.” not going are) not going here and meet you person- House wasn’t about poli- The Capitals’ White House
Two players on the current to hurt team unity,” Holtby ally,” said Ovechkin, the tics. visit came nine-plus months
roster, Canadians Braden said Friday. “I hope they Capitals’ Russian-born cap- American Brooks Orpik, after their first title in fran-
Holtby and Brett Connolly, have a good experience tain and playoff MVP. who went in 2009 with the chise history and with six
and Devante Smith-Pelly, there and then we can get “We’re going to try to (win) Penguins to visit then-Presi- games left in the regular
who is in the minors, did not back to hockey.” again. We have same dent Barack Obama, said season before the playoffs
visit the White House. Smith- The rest of the team was team, experienced team, the decision to go is “not begin. Washington is in first
Pelly in June cited Trump’s in attendance, along with very good group of guys an endorsement of who- place and again is a top
rhetoric, and Holtby last NHL Commissioner Gary and we’re going to try to ever’s in the office.” contender.
week said he had to stay Bettman, Trump attorney do it again.” The Capitals presented “I think you’re going to be
true to his values and re- Rudy Giuliani and counselor The visit comes a day after Trump with a red No. 45 jer- successful,” Trump said.
spectfully decline. to the president Kellyanne Attorney General William sey and a gold, engraved “Very proud of you guys.
In the days since the team Conway, who wore a Capi- Barr released a summary stick. Good luck. We’re going to
scheduled its visit, Holtby tals Stanley Cup champions of special counsel Robert Trump took individual pic- be watching.”q