WASHINGTON -- The Florida Panthers had a final chance to celebrate their 2024 Stanley Cup championship when they visited the White House on Monday before turning their focus fully to trying to win the Cup again.
In town to face the Washington Capitals on Tuesday (7 p.m. ET; SCRIPPS, MNMT), the Panthers took advantage of the opportunity to accept the invitation from President Donald Trump to be honored during a ceremony in the White House’s East Room before going to the Oval Office with him to take photos.
“It’s incredible,” Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk said. “It’s kind of like that cherry-on-top finish. It’s been an incredible last almost year celebrating it and going through that run and to be here at the White House today and meet the president of the United States and lucky enough to have him honor us is just so cool and something that I honestly never would’ve imagined.
“Now that I’m here, I’m just trying to take it all in. I’m kind of speechless right now and I never am.”
Tkachuk had to find some words, though. One of only three United States-born players on the Panthers last season, along with goalie Anthony Stolarz (now with the Toronto Maple Leafs and unable to attend), and forward Kyle Okposo (retired but rejoined the team for the ceremony), Tkachuk was chosen to speak on behalf of the players.
“This is such an incredible day for myself,” Tkachuk said in addressing President Trump. “You wake up every day really grateful to be an American, so thank you. This team, this group of guys is super special.
“Everybody sees what we do on the ice, but I've built bonds with these guys I will have for the rest of my life.”