WATCH – President Joe Biden honours Tampa Bay Lightning at White House for winning back-to-back Stanley Cup titles

WATCH – President Joe Biden honours Tampa Bay Lightning at White House for winning back-to-back Stanley Cup titles

Team Tampa Bay Lightning with Joe Biden

The USA President Joe Biden largely avoided politics while honouring the ice hockey team Tampa Bay Lightning for winning the Stanley Cup in each of the past two seasons. Biden also joked that the Lightning skipper Steven Stamkos was getting old after playing in the National Hockey League (NHL) for 14 seasons and went on to praise his team’s vaccine efforts.

The 46th American President commenced by congratulating all members of the Tampa Bay winning side. 

Also Read | “He allowed us to experience great moments of collective pride” – Montreal Canadiens ice hockey legend Guy Lafleur dies at 70

FS Video

“To the players and coaches; and to the owner, Jeff; everyone involved in this team: It’s an honour to have you all here. And it’s great to see Congresswoman Castor. There she is. I know. She’s holding — you think I didn’t see you holding up that sign? (Laughter.) You know, and Mayor Jane Castor. And they’re not related. (Laughter.) I tell you. (Laughs.),” he said during the felicitation ceremony.

“Congratulations on all great work you’ve done on ice”

Tampa Bay Lightning at the White House
Tampa Bay Lightning at the White House

Biden made little mention of players other than Canada’s Stamkos while talking about the Lightning’s consecutive title runs. Notably, Tampa Bay relied heavily on Russian goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy, forward Nikita Kucherov and defenseman Mikhail Sergachev.

“I’m not saying that the first lady being there at your arena during the playoffs is why you won,” Biden said with a smile. “But just saying that she was there during the election season, as well. She seems to show up when people win. Just something to think about.”

YouTube video

He added: “So thank you all for the great work you’re doing in the community. And congratulations again for all the great work you’ve done on the ice.  

“And I want to wish you good luck in the upcoming playoffs. Who knows, as I said, you may be here next year if you’re willing to come back.”

Also Read | WATCH: “Just comfortable with it” – Golden Knights’ Thomas Bordeleau clinches win in shootout over Sharks