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Well at Least Our Guy Visited Obama, and Other Habs Bits

Tim Thomas is entitled to his political opinions. That’s his right and freedom in the US and Canada. However, when it comes to a team outing to visit The President of The United States, on needs to check his ego at the door.

So the Bruins, with only one American in tow made the trip to the East Wing to visit President Obama today. Former Bruin, and current Habs rearguard Tomas Kaberle took advantage of the team’s off day to make the trek. That’s what makes it interesting to me. A team of predominantly Canadian an European players, were willing to meet a world leader, not of their own nationality, while little Timmy decided to stay home.

Seriously though, how many world leaders have entered the doors of the White House, even though the two leaders at the time have a strong political indifference? Castro? Check. Brezhnev? Check. Khruschev? Him too.

I know goalies have their quirks and oddities, but Thomas opened up a whole new floor.

“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, Thomas stated on his Facebook page.

“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.”

Thomas’ rebuttal well put, and the Presidential meeting was not mandatory by the team, but putting his political beliefs ahead of his teammates is a bit egotistical. Given this, would Georges Laraque have gone to the White House in 2008, had the Penguins won the Cup?

Thomas isn’t the first to take a pass on a visit to the White House, but putting his beliefs out front has certainly got attention. For the record, the Canadiens Hal Gill had to skip the Penguins ’09 meeting with Obama due to a team commitment (golf tournament).

Video of Kaberle’s trip, and other Habs links, after the jump.


For a guy concerned about things getting out of control south of the border, Thomas had no problem signing on for a credit card company plug.


Other Links

Habs trade rumor talk here , here and here.

A Grade 3 student asks Pierre Gauthier…

Jacques Martin’s new gig

Carey Price reportedly cut his foot with his own skate, following Saturday’s win over the Leafs. He skipped the Fan Practice Sunday, but he and Josh Gorges did hit the Montreal Auto Show.

Must read for the mega hockey stats geek, namely us here at EOTP.

It’s not exactly the Foreman Grill, is it?


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