The Florida Panthers visited the White House on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, to celebrate their second consecutive Stanley Cup championship with President Donald Trump, with winger Matthew Tkachuk delivering a patriotic message and the team presenting the president with commemorative gifts.
The Florida Panthers, coming off their second straight Stanley Cup championship, visited the White House on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, for a ceremony hosted by President Donald Trump.
Speaking for the team, winger Matthew Tkachuk thanked the president and emphasized his pride in the moment.
“On behalf of the whole organization and mainly the players, we are so honored to be here,” Tkachuk said. “Being an American, I know I said it last year, but I mean, nothing beats this. I’m so proud to be an American, and I’m so proud to be here with you and everybody else.”
Tkachuk also joked that the White House visit ranked above winning the championship.
“The two Cups was pretty good, but that walk with you might’ve ‘Trumped’ it all there,” he said.
During his remarks, Trump praised the Panthers as “unbelievable” and credited them with the biggest accomplishments in franchise history. He also referenced the team’s 2023 Stanley Cup Final loss in a joking aside, drawing laughter in the room.
The Panthers’ repeat title came against the Edmonton Oilers, and Trump used the matchup to needle Canada in friendly fashion, saying the Panthers had again kept the trophy in the United States.
As part of the ceremony, the Panthers presented Trump with a jersey bearing his name and the number 47, championship rings, and an engraved golden hockey stick. Trump quipped that the stick would be “good for slashing.”
Tkachuk also looked ahead to international play, telling Trump he was excited to represent the United States at the Winter Olympics in February.
