Trump shows off championship ring as Panthers celebrate Stanley Cup replay at White House
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The Florida Panthers, back-to-back NHL Stanley Cup champions, visited the White House on Thursday, two days before their current trip concluded.
The Panthers play at Carolina on Friday before returning to Washington to face the Capitals. It’s a familiar stop at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, as the team earned an invite after defeating Edmonton to win the Stanley Cup last season.
Florida’s four-game victory over Edmonton in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final set the stage for another visit to the White House.
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Aleksander Barkov (L) and Matthew Tkachuk (R) of the Florida Panthers present President Donald Trump with a jersey and hockey stick during a ceremony honoring the 2025 Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in the East Room of the White House on 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 feats in the history of the Panthers franchise,” Trump said.
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“And beyond that, you compare them to some of the greatest hockey teams of all time,” he said. “Including the first Presidents Trophy, three consecutive finals appearances.”
During the ceremony, the Panthers presented Trump with a No. 47 jersey, championship rings and a gold hockey stick.
United States President Donald Trump raises his fist to display two Stanley Cup rings presented to him by the 2025 Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in the East Room of the White House on January 15, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
“Good for cutting,” 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 Stanley Cup runner-up the last two seasons, Edmonton, Canada. “They denied Canada the Stanley Cup,” he said, adding that the United States has “a little bit of competition” with its neighboring nation.
“We’re doing a lot better than Canada, but that’s okay,” Trump said. “We want them to do well and they are going to do well.”
Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk smiled proudly as he walked to the podium. “On behalf of the entire organization and mainly the players. We are very honored to be here… being an American, I know I said it last year, but nothing beats this. I’m very proud to be an American. I’m very proud to be here with you and everyone else.”
Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk speaks as President Donald Trump looks on during the defending NHL Stanley Cup champions’ visit to the White House on Thursday. (Pool/News)
“Winning it costs a toll, you pay a price for it,” he continued. “Each one of these members behind me, it really takes a village to make this happen. Each person played a huge role in it.”
Tkachuk also noted the excitement about playing for Team USA in February at the 2026 Winter Olympics. “Representing you and the millions here, not a month at the Olympics, will also be one of the highlights of my life.”
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When invited to the White House last year, the Panthers brought the Stanley Cup and also presented Trump with a personalized jersey. The coveted trophy was also on display Thursday.
Tkachuk and Brad Marchand have been injured recently, but both players could return to the ice this weekend. The Panthers entered Thursday 12th in the NHL Eastern Conference standings.
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Florida Panthers celebrate Stanley Cup replay with visit to White House, as Trump shows off championship ring
Chantz Martin is a sports writer for News Digital.