Following in the footsteps of past champions, sports teams have visited the White House since the 19th century, with the Pittsburgh Penguins becoming the NHL’s first team in 1991.
After hosting the franchise’s first Stanley Cup in 2024, which was last hosted by the president on Feb. 3, 2025, the Panthers suddenly found themselves feeling right at home in the nation’s capital.
Prior to the ceremony, players and staff were able to tour multiple rooms at the White House and view unique artifacts and famous paintings that line the historic walls.
“This will be our second visit, so we’ll know what to expect,” Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov said. “You know all the rooms. It’s still a great feeling to come in here and see everything and see the president and everything.”
During the ceremony, the president talked about Florida State’s journey to the Cup for the second consecutive year.
In his speech, he named several of the team’s top players, including Barkov, Brad Marchand, Sergei Bobrovsky, Sam Reinhart, Aaron Ekblad, Seth Jones and Sam Bennett.
“It’s pretty cool,” Jones said of the scream. “Of course I didn’t see that coming.”
Bennett, the playoff MVP, made a particularly strong impression with one handshake.
“He has very strong hands,” the president said, drawing laughter from the audience.
In addition to the president and Mr. Viola, Mr. Tkachuk also took to the stage.
After scoring 23 points in the playoffs to lead the Panthers in a tie for first place despite suffering from a torn adductor muscle and a sports hernia, the star forward took time to highlight the sacrifices he and his teammates made to win back-to-back titles.
“Winning comes at a big price,” said Tkachuk, who is close to returning to action after offseason surgery. “We’re paying a price for that, but every single guy behind me, it really takes a village to make that happen. Each player played a very important role.”
As a gift, the Panthers gave the president two Stanley Cup rings, one from 2024 and one from 2025, as well as an engraved gold hockey stick and a personalized jersey.
After the ceremony, Panthers players and staff accompanied the president to the Oval Office.
“Seeing the Oval Office, seeing the room we were waiting in, seeing all the historical artifacts, etc., it really takes you back to your history class,” Jones said of the experience. “It’s amazing. It’s a dream come true. The White House has such an aura.”
Click here to view the complete video of the ceremony.
