President Donald Trump on Thursday praised the Florida Panthers for their impressive playoff performances and their handsome appearance, before they presented him with a golden gift.
At an event commemorating the hockey team's second-straight Stanley Cup Championship (2025), Trump praised the athletic squad for both their physical attractiveness and their "power".
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Players of the championship-winning team were outfitted in traditional Trump style: navy blue suits with a white shirt and a bright red tie, although some wore more subdued shades of red.
The gifts Trump received
In 2025, upon winning, the Panthers gave the President two framed Florida jerseys to recognise his presidency (numbers 45 and 47).
On Thursday, after a formal ceremony, the President was given a golden hockey stick and a special piece of equipment. Besides another No. 47 jersey, Trump was also given two championship rings from defenseman Seth Jones to celebrate the Panthers' accomplishments since 2023. This presentation of both jerseys and championship rings occurred near the conclusion of the 18-minute ceremony in the East Room.
Trump leaves area
But Trump quickly left the area. He, however, took the team on a private tour of the Oval office. Before he left, Trump delivered a speech and mentioned several key players, including Sam Reinhart, Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, Brad Marchand and Sergei Bobrovsky.
"Unbelievable team, unbelievable athletes, unbelievable players," Trump said. "These men are responsible for the greatest feats in Panthers' franchise history. Beyond that, you compare them to some of the greatest hockey teams ever."
