Sure, we put up with his unorthodox facial hair that overstayed its welcome following the 2011 NHL playoffs. We even found his soft, leprechaun voice kind of charming. But after his recent White House snub, Bruins fans are wondering if otherworldly goalie Tim Thomas is, well, human after all.

The face of the 2011 Stanley Cup Champion team was missing from yesterday’s White House reception celebrating last year’s Championship win.

“The Federal government has grown out of control, threatening the Rights, Liberties and Property of the People,” Thomas wrote in an open letter to Facebook fans defending his absence. “I exercised my right as a Free Citizen.”

The goalie says his choice wasn’t about politics or party, but we’re not sure.  It brings up the hot topic of whether or not hockey players should stick to playing hockey.

When we think of Thomas, we think of the ultimate team player. Did he have that in mind when making his decision to ditch the White House, which completely overshadowed the nod to the Bruins’ achievement? Bruins GM defended Thomas, saying it wasn’t a reflection of the Bruins, but one can’t help but wonder why he couldn’t have selected a different platform for his voice, one that wasn’t so intertwined with his teammates.

What do you think?