Matthew Tkachuk and the Florida Panthers won 2-1 against the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. They celebrated on Fort Lauderdale Beach. Tkachuk took the Stanley Cup and ran into the Atlantic Ocean. He took off his championship belt and flip-flops, then plunged into the waves with the trophy.
The celebration continued for Tkachuk and his fellow Panthers. Tkachuk and his teammates, including Sasha Barkov, Sam Bennett, Steven Lorentz, Aaron Ekblad, and Brandon Montour, headed to the beach bar Elbo Room. They brought the Stanley Cup across A1A to share the victory with their fans. Some lucky fans got to drink from the Stanley Cup, while others had beer poured on them from the balcony above.
Amid the celebrations, a video of Tkachuk signing a fan’s forehead instead of her jersey went viral. One fan posted the video on X (formerly Twitter). Tkachuk signed her forehead while avoiding her jacket. Tkachuk's cheerful act with the fan added to the joy of the Panthers’ Stanley Cup celebrations.
Also read: Matthew Tkachuk's sister Taryn lifts Stanley Cup alongside entire family
Matthew Tkachuk's message to Jayson Tatum after winning the Stanley Cup
Last week, Chaminade College Prep in St. Louis celebrated big. Jayson Tatum led the Boston Celtics to their 18th NBA championship. His classmate Tkachuk won the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers. Both were friends at Chaminade and worked together on school projects.
During a media session in early June in Dallas, Tatum expressed his support for his old classmate.
“I’m a big Matthew fan,” Tatum said. “I actually watched him win [Monday]. … I’m extremely happy for him and his family and hopefully they win it all.”
Tkachuk's Panthers faced challenges but won Game 7. Tkachuk praised Tatum after the victory and celebrated their success from St. Louis.
"Hey, two champs from St. Louis, are you kidding me right now? You kidding me?" Tkachuk said via (What Chaos). "Chaminade, everybody there, all the teachers, classmates, you guys should all be very proud. Two champs, baby."
Tatum had earlier sent a message for Tkachuk after the Boston Celtics' 4-1 series win:
"Tkachuk. Get it done tomorrow. One kid from St. Louis winning the championship today. Just make it two tomorrow."
Chaminade is celebrating a special moment as former students have won championships in different sports this year, which is possibly a first for them.