Matthew Tkachuk and the Florida Panthers took a trip to the White House this week to celebrate their second consecutive championship.
The Panthers successfully defended their Stanley Cup title last June by taking down the Edmonton Oilers in six games. Their performance didn't go unnoticed, that's for sure. President Donald Trump applauded their dominance while at the podium on Thursday.
"Not only did you live up to the sky-high expectations, you gave us perhaps the most dominant playoff run in NHL history," Trump said. "You led the Finals for over 255 minutes... and you denied Canada the Stanley Cup for the 32nd straight year."
Tkachuk, a two-time All-Star, had the honors of addressing Trump during Thursday's visit. He said walking around the White House with the president might just "trump" winning back-to-back Stanley Cups.
"The two Cups was pretty good, but that walk with you might've trumped it all. That was pretty amazing. We're so honored to be here," Tkachuk said. "Being an American - I know I said it last year - but nothing beats this. I'm so proud to be an American and so proud to be here with you and everybody else."
© Jim Rassol-Imagn Images.
Fans torn on Tkachuk's comments.
"As a hockey fan, I find this appalling. This is no normal president with whom one might agree or disagree on various issues. This is a tyrant wreaking havoc on our nation and the world," one person commented.
"I can't believe that I could actually hate Matthew Tkachuk more but here we are," a fan said.
"I don't hate the Florida Panthers enough," another fan replied.
Of course, there are plenty of NHL fans who applaud Tkachuk for getting along with the president.
"This right here is what its all about," someone wrote on X. "Respect"
"Refreshing to see athletes respect our country and show love for Trump," another person said.
It's safe to say Tkachuk's comments will generate a spirited debate within the hockey community.
The Panthers (24-18-3) will be back in action Friday night against the Carolina Hurricanes. We'll see if they can climb up the standings in the Atlantic Division.