U.S. women's hockey veteran Kelly Pannek addressed her team's absence from the State of the Union address, citing logistical challenges as the reason for not attending the high-profile event.

"I know, like, later on, there'll be a full invite for all Team USA athletes to go to the White House like there has been in the past," Pannek told CBS News, suggesting the team expects a future invitation to visit the White House.

The comments come as both U.S. hockey teams made history by winning Olympic gold medals for the first time simultaneously. However, the men's and women's teams experienced notably different homecoming experiences following their victories.

The absence from the State of the Union has generated attention amid what CBS News described as a "viral controversy" surrounding the teams' return to the United States. The traditional practice has been for Olympic champions to receive White House invitations following major competitions.

Pannek's remarks indicate the women's hockey team anticipates receiving a formal White House invitation at a later date, following established precedent for Olympic medal winners.