President Donald Trump got more than a standard commemorative jersey during the Florida Panthers’ White House visit on Thursday.
The two-time Stanley Cup champions traveled to Washington to continue the long-running tradition of championship teams visiting the White House to be recognized for their historic achievement.
And for the second straight year, the Panthers were celebrating their title with Trump after pulling off the rare feat of back-to-back Stanley Cup wins — both over the Connor McDavid-led Edmonton Oilers.
Panthers bring Trump a jersey — and a lot more
After remarks from the president and members of the team, the Panthers presented Trump with a custom jersey bearing his name and the number 47, a time-honored tradition in championship visits.
But this year, the Panthers took things to another level.
Along with the jersey, the team gifted Trump a gold hockey stick and two championship rings.
It wasn’t clear whether the stick was made from real gold, but it definitely wasn’t a lightweight souvenir.
When Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk handed it to Trump, the president tested it out and reacted with a classic Trump moment:
“Whoa.”
Trump didn’t hide his appreciation.
“This is fantastic,” he added.
Machado visit adds international spotlight
The same day, Trump also hosted Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado.
Machado said Trump “deserved” the Nobel Peace Prize after she presented him with her Nobel medal during the White House visit, calling the moment: “emotional.”
