Winning back-to-back Stanley Cups is special. Getting invited to the White House twice? That’s a different kind of memory altogether.
The Florida Panthers accepted an invitation from President Donald Trump to attend a ceremony in the White House’s East Room in January, celebrating their latest championship. It marked the second straight year the team made the trip following their 2024 Stanley Cup victory.
For Matthew Tkachuk, though, the experience was more than just a formal celebration.
Inside the Panthers’ White House Visit: What Stood Out Most For Matthew Tkachuk
Tkachuk delivered a brief speech during the ceremony, representing the team just as he had the year before. But reflecting later on his Wingmen podcast, he shared what truly stood out.
“It is such an honor to go to the White House as an American. It’s got to be every American’s dream to go see it,” Tkachuk said. “I got to see it first-hand, the desk, the stand, the presidential stand, and it was like a pinch-me moment.”
While the setting itself left an impression, his favorite moment came during a lighter exchange involving teammates.
“My favorite part in the whole thing is like when the president mentioned Sam Bennett or Sam Reinhart,” Tkachuk explained. “He was so cool, like him saying, ‘Sam Bennett, where is Sam?’ and then giving Benny a handshake. It’s like the little conversations there, not on the mic… ‘Congratulations, Sam.’ And then he turns and says, ‘Wow, that’s a firm handshake.’ It’s little things, just pretty funny and just a cool experience.”
Tkachuk added that when he stepped up to speak, he wanted to emphasize how honored he was on behalf of the players. He also spoke about how winning a championship brings a team closer than anything else, turning 25 teammates into best friends.
During the visit, Tkachuk even joked to President Trump: “Two Cups was pretty good, but that walk with you might’ve trumped it all. Nothing beats this.”
Panthers Facing A Different Reality This Season
The celebration comes at a time when things look very different for Florida on the ice.
After winning back-to-back Stanley Cups, the Panthers are now battling through a difficult season. Injuries have taken a toll, including on Tkachuk himself, who missed 47 games while recovering from offseason surgery before returning in January.
Currently sitting at the bottom of the Atlantic Division and eight points out of a wild card spot, Florida faces an uphill climb. The Olympic break could provide a much-needed reset as they try to salvage their playoff hopes.
