By Greg Fry

Former Cougar declines to participate in White House visit

Mar 20, 2019 | 9:56 AM

WASHINGTON D.C. — Washington Capitals forward and former Prince George Cougar Brett Connolly won’t be joining his teammates when they visit the White House next Monday (Monday 25) to celebrate their first Stanley Cup victory last June.

The Washington Times is reporting Connolly is standing by a decision he made last summer.

“I respectfully decline. That’s about all I’ll say about it,” Connolly told The Athletic in New Jersey. “Everyone is entitled to their opinion. It’s obviously a big deal and it gains a lot of attention. I’ve been in full support of an old teammate that I’m really good friends with and who I agreed with, and a guy who will be back here, I’m sure, at the end of the year. That’s all I’ll say.”

According to the Washington Times, the player Connolly is referring to is Devante Smith-Pelly, who happens to be black and from Canada.

The Times reports that Smith-Pelly said last year he wouldn’t visit the White House because some of President Donald Trump’s rhetoric is “racist and sexist.”

Sexual Assault and Harassment

Judge to rule on Canada Post employee's sexual assault and harassment case

4h ago

Weather Alerts

Freezing rain warning issued for Prince George-area, snowfall warning remains for Williston, Pine Pass

8h ago

Spruce Kings 4 Express 3

Lougheed's buzzer-beater lifts Spruce Kings to fifth consecutive win

8h ago

Smith-Pelley is currently playing for the Capitals minor league club, the Hershey Bears.

To date, no other players for the Capitals have said publicly that they will not visit the White House.