President Obama welcomed the Boston Bruins to the White House today, to honor the reigning Stanley Cup champions. But, in hockey terms, the celebration had an empty net.

Bruins goalie Tim Thomas was the only Bruin who didn't attend.

Yahoo's Puck Daddy blog says Thomas is a staunch conservative and that he told Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli months ago he wouldn't go to the White House.

MORE: Obama salutes the Bruins

Thomas released a statement later in the day:

"I believe the Federal government has grown out of control, threatening the Rights, Liberties, and Property of the People.

This is being done at the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial level. This is in direct opposition 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. This is the only public statement I will be making on this topic. TT"

Added Chiarelli, per Puck Daddy: "I can require someone to attend a team event. If they don't, I can suspend him. But I'm not going to suspend Tim. Whatever his position is isn't representative of the Boston Bruins or my own. But I'm not going to suspend him."

Watch video highlights of the Bruins visit to the White House here: