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2024 Stanley Cup Champions

White House Honors Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers

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President Donald Trump speaks during a ceremony with the Florida Panthers to celebrate their 2024 Stanley Cup victory in the East Room of the White House on Monday afternoon in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

The Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers were honored by President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday afternoon.



Gathered in the East Room of the White House, most of the 2024 championship team were in attendance with owner Vinnie Viola and captain Sasha Barkov escorting the President into the ceremony.

The Stanley Cup was on display with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman in attendance.

A number of local politicians joined the ceremony including both U.S. Senators from Florida and Broward County-based U.S. Representative Jared Moskowitz.

Trump was gifted a framed 45-47 jersey from the team as well as a 47 sweater with his name on the back.

The team also gave him a gold hockey stick similar to the silver stick Dmitry Kulikov was awarded after playing in his 1,000th NHL game.

During the ceremony, Trump brought up the team going up 3-0 in the Stanley Cup Final only to see the Edmonton Oilers force a Game 7 on numerous occasions.

“I watched those games, and I was a little worried,’’ Trump said. “It was 3-0 and I said, ‘well, this is over because Vinnie’s a friend of mine.’ And they lose three. … That could have been real bad, but real champions pull it out. … It was a tremendous championship, watched by all.’’

He singled out a number of players for handshakes including Barkov, Sergei Bobrovsky, Sam Reinhart, Anton Lundell, Carter Verhaeghe, and coach Paul Maurice.

Matthew Tkachuk spoke at the end of the ceremony, saying “it’s such an incredible day for myself, you wake up every day grateful to be an American. So, thank you.’’

All players wore some variations of red ties leading to a remark from the President that “I love all these ties. This is so cute, these people. I walked in and said ‘I think they like Trump.’ I like them.”

The players and staff also wore their Stanley Cup championship rings.

After the ceremony, Trump escorted the team in to the Oval Office for more pictures.

Kyle Okposo, who retired after winning the Cup with the Panthers, was the only member of the 2024 title team who is not on the current team who joined the ceremony.

ON DECK: GAME No. 55
FLORIDA PANTHERS at WASHINGTON CAPITALS

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Zeke1961

Tip o’ the cap to whomever it was to put all the guys in blue suits and red ties—classy touch. Can you sleuth that one out, George ? I’d like to think it came from V.V., but maybe even a White House suggestion?

Zeke1961

Sorry for the double-punch, George, I didn’t think the 1st one registered.

Zeke1961

Wonder who came up with the great idea to put all the guys in blue suits and red ties—classy touch. I’d like to think it was V.V., but maybe even suggested by the White House? Think you’ll be able to sleuth that one out, George? (if I may jump out ahead of your next mail bag.)

Michael Ostrofsky

Video of the entire ceremony is here:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VPBYcaOzuyg

Check out Coach Paul’s blush when he shook the President’s hand. Great stuff.

Zeke1961

Thank you, Michael.
first time seeing the whole package, it was great

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