President Donald Trump recently honored the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers at the White House, despite avoiding talk of tariffs. The ceremony was delayed due to a conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about pausing tariffs on Canada.
Trump praised the team’s championship win, saying they are “real champions” for their “tremendous championship.” He also referenced his own path back to the White House, jokingly comparing it to the Panthers’ 12-month comeback from losing in the finals to winning. U.S.-born player Matthew Tkachuk expressed gratitude to Trump for hosting the team, saying he is proud to be an American.
The Panthers have made back-to-back appearances in the Stanley Cup finals and won their first championship in June. They were presented with customized jerseys by owner Vinnie Viola, captain Aleksander Barkov, and forward Matthew Tkachuk as a gesture of appreciation for Trump’s support.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/43681903/stanley-cup-champion-florida-panthers-lauded-white-house