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The back-to-back NHL Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers visited the White House on Thursday, two days before their current road trip ends.
The Panthers play at Carolina on Friday before returning to Washington to face the Capitals. It’s a familiar stop at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, where the team has received an invitation after defeating Edmonton to win the Stanley Cup last season.
Florida’s four-game victory over Edmonton in the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals set the stage for another visit to the White House.
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Aleksander Barkov (L) and Matthew Tkachuk (R) of the Florida Panthers present President Donald Trump with a jersey and hockey stick during a ceremony honoring the 2025 Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in the East Room of the White House on January 15, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
“It is an honor to welcome to the White House the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers. Incredible team, incredible athletes, players. These men are responsible for the greatest accomplishments in Panthers franchise history,” Trump said.
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“And on top of that, you’re comparing them to some of the greatest hockey teams of all time. Including the first ever President’s Trophy, three straight Finals appearances.”
During the ceremony, the Panthers presented Trump with a No. 47 jersey, championship rings and a golden hockey stick.
United States President Donald Trump raises his fist to display two Stanley Cup rings presented to him by the 2025 Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in the East Room of the White House on January 15, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
“Good for chopping,” the president said, referring to the hockey stick. Trump put on one of the rings, flashed it to the cameras and waved his new hockey stick during the ceremony.
Trump also highlighted the locale of the last two seasons’ Stanley Cup runner-up, Edmonton, Canada. “You denied Canada the Stanley Cup,” he said, adding that the United States has “some competition” with its neighboring nation.
“We’re doing a lot better than Canada, but that’s okay,” Trump noted. “We want them to do well, and they’re going to do well.”
Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk beamed with pride as he walked to the podium. “On behalf of the entire organization and primarily the players. We’re so honored to be here… as an American, I know I said it last year, but nothing beats this. I’m so proud to be an American. I’m so proud to be here with you and everyone else.”
Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk speaks as President Donald Trump looks on, Thursday, during the defending NHL Stanley Cup champions’ visit to the White House. (Pool/Pakinomist)
“Winning it takes a toll, you pay a price for it. Each of these members behind me, it really takes a village to make it happen. Each person played a very very important role in that.”
Tkachuk also noted excitement about playing for Team USA in February at the 2026 Winter Olympics. “Representing you and the millions back here, not a month into the Olympics, will also be one of the highlights of my life.”
When they were guests at the White House last year, the Panthers brought the Stanley Cup and also presented Trump with a personalized jersey. The coveted trophy was also on display on Thursday.
Tkachuk and Brad Marchand have recently dealt with injury, but both players could be back on the ice as early as this weekend. The Panthers entered Thursday in 12th place in the NHL’s Eastern Conference standings.
Florida Panthers celebrate Stanley Cup replay with White House visit as Trump flashes championship ring
