Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk had a proud American moment in the White House on Monday when he and his team celebrated their Stanley Cup victory with President Donald Trump.
Tkachuk, who was one of six Americans on the championships last season, was able to tackle the president during the celebration.
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President Donald Trump, left, shaking his hands with Matthew Tkachuk during a ceremony with Florida Panthers NHL Hockey team to celebrate their victory from the 2024 Stanley Cup in the eastern room of the White House on Monday, February 3, 2025 in Washington, DC (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
“Thank you, Mr. President, for having us today. We really appreciate it. Being one of the few Americans who love this country so much it is such an incredible day for myself. You wake up every day truly grateful to be an American.
Tkachuk then told the president about how special the group of men behind him is. Florida appeared in the Stanley Cup final for the second time in a row last season and was able to finally get over the hump and win the trophy for the first time in the franchise story.
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President Donald Trump, Center, poses for a photo with Aleksander Barkov, Left, and Matthew Tkachuk with a jersey and a hockey spindle during a ceremony with Florida Panthers NHL Hockey team to celebrate their 2024 Stanley Cup Second, in the East Room to the White House Monday 3 February 2025 in Washington, DC (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
“This team and this group of guys are special,” he added. “Everyone sees what we do on the ice, but I have built ties with these guys that I want the rest of my life. I am eternally grateful to these guys. We are forever masters and I will always remember these guys.
Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov presented the president with a golden hockey mind and a Panthers sweater who read Trump and No. 47 on the back of it. Trump carried the stick out of the room as he and the team moved to the next event.
Panthers acquired Tkachuk in a trade with Calgary Flames before the 2022-23 season, and he has helped raise Florida ever since.
President Donald Trump, Center, has a hockeypind before posing for a photo with Aleksander Barkov, Left, and Matthew Tkachuk during a ceremony with Florida Panthers NHL Hockey team to celebrate their 2024 Stanley Cup Cup victory, in the eastern space of The White House Monday 3rd February 2025 in Washington, DC (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Tkachuk has 18 goals and 32 assists this season. Florida is back on top of the Atlantic Division with a 32-19-2 record.
