The 2011 Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins made their long-awaited visit to the White House on Monday, but it was without the one player whose postseason heroics got them there in the first place.

Conn Smythe Trophy winning-goaltender Tim Thomas did not attend the visit hosted by U.S. President Barack Obama and the team explained that he would post a statement regarding his actions on his Facebook page on Monday night.

"Everybody has their own opinions and political beliefs. He chose not to join us," Bruins president Cam Neely told Joe Haggerty of CSNNE.com at the visit. "We certainly would have liked to have him come and join us. But it's his choice. It's obviously not a choice most of the guys...well all of the guys came except for Tim. But it's his decision and his choice."

President Obama honoured the Bruins for their championship won last spring and their charitable work off the ice.

The Bruins won their first Stanley Cup title in 39 years last June when they beat the Vancouver Canucks in seven games.

It was the latest in a string of Boston professional sports championships in recent years, including the Celtics in 2008, the Red Sox in 2007 and the New England Patriots in 2005.

The Patriots face the New York Giants in next month's Super Bowl.

Obama says, "the Bruins, the Sox, the Celtics, now the Patriots. Enough already, Boston."

The White House said the Boston Bruins Foundation has donated more than US$7 million to charities in New England.