The Florida Panthers brought their back-to-back Stanley Cup victories to the White House on Thursday, joining President Donald Trump in a patriotic celebration that highlighted their love of country — and admiration for the president.
“On behalf of the whole organization and mainly the players, we are so honored to be here,” said Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk. “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, who scored two key goals in the Final, made it clear that even hoisting the Cup couldn’t top walking alongside Trump at the White House.
“The two Cups was pretty good, but that walk with you might’ve ‘Trumped’ it all there,” he joked to laughs, clearly enjoying the moment.
.@FlaPanthers star Matthew Tkachuk: “The two Cups was pretty good, but that walk with you might’ve Trumped it all… Nothing beats this. I’m so proud to be an American, and so proud to be here with you.” pic.twitter.com/r3LXfIU5fQ
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) January 15, 2026
President Trump, himself a proud Floridian, praised the team for bringing the Cup to South Florida for the first time ever and called their recent run “unbelievable.” He commended the players for their determination and winning spirit, saying, “These men are responsible for the greatest feats in Panthers’ franchise history.”
“You denied Canada the Stanley Cup for the 32nd straight year,” Trump added, referring to the Panthers’ victory over the Edmonton Oilers. “We have a little competition with Canada… We’re doing much better than Canada, but that’s okay. We want them to do well.”
Tkachuk, raised in St. Louis and expected to represent Team USA at the upcoming Winter Olympics, said he was honored to wear the red, white, and blue.
“Representing you and the millions back here next month in the Olympics will be one of the highlights of my life as well,” he told Trump.
The team gifted the president a No. 47 Panthers jersey, a championship ring, and a gold hockey stick — which Trump jokingly said would be “good for slashing.”
Trump took the opportunity to needle the Panthers about their one Finals loss during their three-year stretch.
“The one that you didn’t make, what the hell happened to you? You should have won that game,” he said, drawing laughter from the room.
As the Panthers prepare for another title run following the Olympic break, Tkachuk offered one final message: “We’re not stopping now, we hope to be here next year.”
The post Stanley Cup Champs Celebrate with Trump: Tkachuk Says ‘Nothing Beats This’ appeared first on Real News Now.
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