Tim Thomas, one of only two Americans who played with last season’s National Hockey League champion Boston Bruins, did not attend a White House ceremony on Monday honouring the team’s achievement.

Goaltender Thomas insisted his decision to snub the ceremony with US President Barack Obama, a Democrat, was not a partisan gesture in favour of the opposing Republican party, but a decision based on his belief that the US government has too much influence on American individuals’ lives.

“I believe the federal government has grown out of control, threatening the rights, liberties and property of the people,” Thomas said in a statement posted on NHL.com

He added that in his opinion, not just the president but the legislature and courts are at fault.

“Because I believe this, today I exercised my right as a free citizen, and did not visit the White House,” Thomas said.

“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.”

Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli said the team wouldn’t take any punitive action against Thomas.

“We’re like a family. We have our issues,” Chiarelli told the Boston Globe. “You deal with them, move on and try and support everyone.

“I can require someone to attend a team event. If they don’t, I can suspend him. I’m not suspending Tim. Whatever his position is, it isn’t reflective of the Boston Bruins nor my own. But I’m not suspending him.”

Thomas broke the NHL single-season save percentage record last season in leading the Bruins to their first Stanley Cup in 39 years, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as the NHL playoff Most Valuable Player in the process.

Thomas, 36, went 16-9 in the playoffs with a 1.98 goals-against average. The Bruins defeated Vancouver four games to three in the best-of-seven final.