Feb. 3 (UPI) — More than seven months after the Florida Panthers won their first Stanley Cup, the team will visit the White House on Monday to commemorate the win.
It will be the first visit by a sports team with President Donald Trump during his second term as president.
Team members flew from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to Dulles International Airport earlier Monday.
On Sunday, the Panthers defeated the New York Islanders 6-3 at their home at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla. They remain atop the Atlantic Division at 32-19-3 in their third consecutive win.
On Tuesday, the Florida team will face the host Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena, where Trump celebrated after his inauguration two weeks ago.
Boston Celtics were the last team to be honored at the White House in November after winning the NBA title on June 18 against the Dallas Mavericks. They met with President Joe Biden.
Six days after the NBA final, the Panthers defeated the defending champion Edmonton Oilers in Sunrise. The Panthers lost the 2023 championship in the finals.
Other South Florida professional titles were the NFL Miami Dolphins in 1972 and 1973, the baseball Miami Marlins in 1997 and 2003, and the NBA Miami Heat in 2006, 2012 and 2013.
During Trump’s first term, 20 major sports teams won championships but only 10 celebrated at the White House.
Trump did not invite some of the winning teams and others expressed no desire to attend even if they had received an invitation.
In 2017, Trump served fast food when he welcomed the Clemson Tigers after winning their 2016 college football title.
President Donald Trump announced today that he will be welcoming the Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, to the White House for a special ceremony in their honor. The Panthers recently clinched their first ever Stanley Cup victory, and Trump is eager to celebrate their historic achievement.
The ceremony will take place next week, and Trump is expected to praise the team for their hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship throughout the season. He will also present the players and coaching staff with a special commemorative gift to mark the occasion.
The Florida Panthers have had an incredible season, and their Stanley Cup win has brought great pride and excitement to their fans across the country. This visit to the White House will be a memorable and prestigious moment for the team, and a chance for them to bask in the glory of their well-deserved victory.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting event as details are finalized. Congratulations to the Florida Panthers on their remarkable achievement! #FloridaPanthers #StanleyCupChampions #WhiteHouseCelebration
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#Trump #Stanley #Cup #champions #Florida #Panthers #White #House
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