The Florida Panthers took the Stanley Cup to the White House today to visit recently inaugurated President Donald Trump. The players wore red ties, a look that Trump often goes for himself and one that matches the team’s colours. The president took notice.
“I love all these ties. This is so cute. I walked in and said, ‘I think they like Trump.’”
It’s tradition for the major North American sports league champions to visit the White House. Last year was the Panthers’ first-ever Stanley Cup. They beat the Edmonton Oilers in seven games, although they nearly blew a 3-0 series lead.
“I watched those games and I was a little bit worried after I watched the three-up. [I thought] this is over because Vinny (Florida Panthers owner Vincent Viola) is a friend of mine,” said Trump. “Then they lost three, and I said, ‘Ooh, this is going to be a tough loss.’ That would’ve been bad, but real champions can pull it out.”
“It was a tremendous championship watched by all. The entire team, congratulations on your first-ever Stanley Cup win. You had a couple of really close calls, and I watched the team get better and better and better, and then they won.”
Team owner Vincent Viola and his family got special shoutouts from the president. In 2016, Viola was Trump’s nomination as Secretary of the Army, although Viola eventually withdrew from consideration.
The Panthers brought a variety of gifts to the White House, including a custom jersey, a golden hockey stick, and another framed jersey with a special number to commemorate his two presidential terms.
President Trump will get a custom Florida Panthers jersey as he greets the Stanley Cup Champions at the White House.
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— Andy Slater (@AndySlater) February 3, 2025
Matthew Tkachuk, who scored six goals and had 22 points in 24 playoff games, also spoke. He focused on his national pride.
“Thank you, Mr. President, for having us today; we greatly appreciate it. Being one of the few Americans who loves this country so much, this is such an incredible day for myself. You know you wake up every day and [are] really grateful to be an American, so thank you,” said the forward.
While tensions between the USA and Canada remain high, there were no mentions of impending tariffs or the border.