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The Florida Panthers, the NHL’s back-to-back Stanley Cup champions, visited the White House on Thursday, two days before the end of their current road trip.
The Panthers will play at Carolina on Friday before returning to Washington to face the Capitals. It’s a familiar stop at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, with the team earning an invitation after beating Edmonton to win the Stanley Cup last season.
Florida’s four-game victory over Edmonton in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final paved the way for another visit to the White House.
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Aleksander Barkov (left) and Matthew Tkachuk (right) of the Florida Panthers present President Donald Trump with a jersey and hockey stick during a ceremony honoring the Florida Panthers, the 2025 Stanley Cup champions, in the East Room of the White House, January 15, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
“It is an honor to welcome the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, to the White House. An incredible team, incredible athletes and players. These men are responsible for the greatest achievements in Panthers franchise history,” Trump said.
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“And beyond that, you compare them to some of the greatest hockey teams of all time. Including the first-ever Presidents’ Trophy, three consecutive final appearances.”
During the ceremony, the Panthers presented Trump with a No. 47 jersey, championship rings and a gold hockey stick.
U.S. President Donald Trump raises his fist to show two Stanley Cup rings presented to him by the 2025 Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in the East Room of the White House January 15, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
“Good for deciding,” the president said, referring to the hockey stick. Trump put on one of the rings, showed it to the cameras and waved his new hockey stick during the ceremony.
Trump also highlighted the location of the Stanley Cup finalist of the last two seasons, Edmonton, Canada. “You denied Canada the Stanley Cup,” he said, adding that the United States had “a little competition” with its neighboring country.
“We’re doing a lot better than Canada, but that’s OK,” Trump noted. “We want them to succeed, and they will do well.”
Panthers left winger Matthew Tkachuk beamed with pride as he made his way to the podium. “On behalf of the entire organization and mainly the players. We are very honored to be here…being American, I know I said it last year, but nothing beats this. I’m so proud to be American. I’m so proud to be here with you and everyone.”
Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk speaks as President Donald Trump looks on Thursday during the reigning NHL Stanley Cup champions’ visit to the White House. (Pool/PK Press Club)
“To win, you have to pay a price. Each of these members behind me, it really takes a village to do it. Each person played a very, very important role.”
Tkachuk also expressed his excitement about playing for Team USA in February at the 2026 Winter Olympics. “Representing you and the millions of people here, not a month at 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 gave Trump a custom jersey. The coveted trophy was also on display Thursday.
Tkachuk and Brad Marchand were recently injured, but both players could be back on the ice this weekend. The Panthers entered Thursday ranked 12th in the NHL Eastern Conference standings.
Florida Panthers celebrate Stanley Cup repeat with White House visit, as Trump shows off championship ring
