WASHINGTON, D.C. (WPEC) — The Florida Panthers headed back to the White House Thursday afternoon, where President Donald Trump hosted the team in recognition of their 2025 Stanley Cup championship.
“So, after a shortened off-season and a regular season plagued by injuries, the Florida Panthers entered the 2025 playoffs with extraordinary pressure to defend the title,” Trump said. “But they also had an amazing aura about them. It was called the aura of winning. There’s something nice about it and that’s what they did.”
During the event, the team presented Trump with two gifts, including a jersey and a hockey stick.
The event marked the Panthers’ second consecutive visit, following last year’s ceremony honoring their 2024 title. The team clinched the 2025 Stanley Cup on June 17 after defeating the Edmonton Oilers in six games.
Thursday’s celebration came during a tight stretch in the Panthers’ schedule. The team flew into Washington for the ceremony before traveling to Raleigh for Friday night’s matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes, followed by a return to D.C. for Saturday’s game against the Washington Capitals.
See also: Arctic air surges into Central and South Florida with widespread freeze expected
Last year’s visit featured a lively ceremony in the East Room, where owner Vinnie Viola and captain Aleksander Barkov escorted President Trump and presented customized jerseys and a gold stick. Similar presentations are anticipated today as the Panthers bring the Stanley Cup back to the White House.
Team members expressed pride and gratitude after last year’s event, calling the visit “a huge honor.”
Comment with Bubbles
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT
CBS12 News will provide updates from the White House as the Panthers celebrate their latest championship achievement.