The 2025 National Hockey League Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, visited the White House on Thursday, participating in the honorary custom of sports league champions — professional and college — getting a special ceremony with the president. The Florida Panthers defeated the Edmonton Oilers for the second straight year. They won the seven-game series 4-2 in June 2025.
It is the second year in a row that Florida has won the NHL championship, and the second consecutive year that President Donald Trump has honored the organization with a ceremony at the White House.
“It’s an honor to welcome to the White House, the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers,” Trump said in his opening comments. “Unbelievable team, unbelievable athletes, players. These men are responsible for the greatest feats in Panthers’ franchise history.”
“And beyond that,” Trump said. “You compare them to some of the greatest hockey teams ever.”
Trump then mentioned the team’s recent dominance in the hockey league, citing some of the accomplishments and awards they have won in recent years, mentioning the organization’s “first-ever President’s trophy, three straight Finals appearances … and an incredible two straight Stanley Cup victories.”
Trump joked with the Panthers about not winning all three Stanley Cup Finals the team has been in, playfully asking, “And the one that you didn’t make, what the hell happened to you? You should have won that game.”
“But it was good to do the little comeback, right?” Trump said.
“Comebacks are wonderful, actually,” Trump said in what some have interpreted as a nod to his own political comeback. Those in attendance laughed at the line. He also praised the Panthers’ owner, Vincent Viola.
“Vinnie’s a winner,” Trump said. “ So, you learn from the owner, I guess.”
Trump then acknowledged some of the team’s star players and shook their hands.
The Panthers presented Trump with a no. 47 Florida Panthers jersey, for being the 47th president, championship rings, and a golden hockey stick during the ceremony.
Viola spoke at the ceremony, thanking the president and expressing humility about the team’s success.
“Mr. President, it really humbles me to be in your presence and the kindness you’ve shown me, my organization, from a very long time ago, it’s not lost on us,” Viola said. “But the privilege to be at the White House, with you while you’re president, is extra special. I’m going to make it pretty clear that we are honored to be here, and we’re honored to be here with you as the president.”
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Panthers star player, Matthew Tkachuk, also spoke at the ceremony and expressed his gratitude and pride to be in the White House.
“On behalf of the whole organization and mainly the players,” Tkachuk said. “We are so honored to be here. Being an American, I know I said it last year, but nothing beats this. I’m so proud to be an American. I’m so proud to be here with you and everybody else.”
“We hope to be here next year,” Tkachuk said. “That’s the plan.”