Here's why:
* Popularity of Hockey: Hockey wasn't as popular in the US as it is today until the mid-20th century. Many early presidents came from backgrounds where other sports like baseball or football were more prevalent.
* Historical Context: Presidents often came from wealthier families and may not have had the opportunity to play hockey in their youth. Ice skating and hockey were considered more "working class" sports in the early 20th century.
* Time Constraints: The demands of the presidency leave little time for recreational activities, let alone competitive sports.
However, there have been some presidents who have expressed interest in hockey or have participated in informal games:
* Richard Nixon: Was known to enjoy ice skating, but there's no evidence he played hockey.
* Ronald Reagan: Played some hockey as a child in California, but it was not a major part of his life.
* Bill Clinton: Enjoyed playing basketball but had no known interest in hockey.
While no US president has been a hockey player, it's likely that future presidents could be influenced by the growing popularity of the sport in the US.