2023-11-13 18:36:13
Biden made a few jokes during his speech in the company of the men of the reigning champions.
“They proved that in Vegas, it is always possible to beat the odds,” said the president at a press conference.
The president and the 2023 Stanley Cup champions in the National Hockey League (NHL) also made an “exchange”. Biden received a team jersey with the number 46, as he is the 46th president of the United States. In return, he presented a golden baton to Captain Mark Stone.
“I’ll tell you something, this thing weighs regarding 800 lbs,” the president said as a joke.
The Vegas Golden Knights took top honors by defeating the Florida Panthers in five games.
Quebec forward Jonathan Marchessault got his hands on the Conn-Smythe Trophy, awarded to the playoff MVP.
See it in the video.
Golden Knights Community Involvement in Vegas
Biden made jokes regarding his declining poll numbers in Nevada and thanked the Vegas Golden Knights for helping the city recover from a shooting in 2017 when they were honored.
He highlighted the organization’s work in the community, particularly following the Oct. 1, 2017, shooting.
“You have been there for the families, the survivors and the first responders – your championship rings honor them,” Joe Biden said. The diamonds on your rings form a star: the same star on the banner you raised that honors the 58 people we lost that day. You are something special!”
The players said the topic of politics was avoided during their private meeting with President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, saying they mostly discussed winning the team’s first championship.
The Golden Knights’ visit was the first by an NHL team since that of the Tampa Bay Lightning in April 2022, when they celebrated their conquests in 2020 and 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Colorado Avalanche, who won the top honors in 2022, did not visit the White House last season due to a scheduling conflict.
“We hope to have the opportunity to come back,” said the Golden Knights head coach. But we never know. It was perhaps the chance of a lifetime.”
– Bruce Cassidy, Golden Knights head coach
Some players were not on their first visit. Alec Martinez triumphed with the Los Angeles Kings in 2012 and 2014 and visited Barack Obama. Alex Pietrangelo participated in a ceremony in 2019 with Donald Trump following the conquest of the St. Louis Blues.
The Golden Knights kept the same core from last season and won 12 of their first 15 games.
“It makes a day like this even more enjoyable,” said forward Jack Eichel. We have had a good start to the season and we want to continue this momentum. Yes, it’s a year of celebration, but we continue to work hard.”
Their visit comes as Joe Biden must manage American involvement in the war between Israel and Hamas. He is also scheduled to travel to San Francisco for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week.
“He has more important things to worry regarding than our visit,” Martinez recalled. So it’s pretty special that he takes some time out of his day to have this experience.”
Captain Mark Stone, who is from Canada, spoke following Joe Biden. He called Las Vegas the entertainment capital of the world and compared the city to the president’s home state of Delaware with a touch of humor. He appeared nervous and emotional at times.
“I’ve probably never been so nervous,” Stone admitted. I spoke during the show in Vegas, but I had a few drinks in my body. But with the president just a few feet away, it’s definitely more stressful.”
With information from The Associated Press.
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