Matthew Tkachuk under fire for breaking the Stanley Cup celebration code

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Felip Gosselin
July 21, 2024 (8:35 PM)

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Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk faces backlash after a viral moment with the Stanley Cup that reportedly violates celebration protocols.

The team celebrated extensively after the Panthers secured the coveted Stanley Cup in the 2024-25 season. Among the celebrants was Tkachuk, who created a memorable scene by carrying the Stanley Cup into the Atlantic Ocean. This act, while iconic, has sparked controversy due to the perceived breach of the traditional guidelines for handling the trophy.

This moment went viral on social media, showcasing the wild and exuberant nature of Stanley Cup celebrations. Despite the widespread attention, the backstory of the incident remained untold until today, sparking a wave of controversy.

Tkachuk was recently asked about his sordid celebrations and revealed that there was a rule that stated he wasn't supposed to take the Stanley Cup into the Atlantic Ocean. He, of course, claimed he wasn't aware of said rule:

«I did not know that wasn't allowed, I promise you,» Tkachuk told KSDK News. «It was the day after I won, I still hadn't slept at that point, and it was just me and a few of my teammates. We had nobody with us to say, �Matthew, don't be an idiot. Don't do that.' So I thought it was fitting, but if I would have known I wasn't supposed to do it, I wouldn't have done it, but also, I think it's pretty funny.»

Matthew then proceeded to, just like any older brother would, give credit to his younger brother:

My brother was like, �The ocean's right there, why don't you just go take it in there right now, Matthew explained. I'm like, �That's a great idea. We'll go do that.' I guess I didn't give him credit when I first got asked about it, and he was pretty upset with me, so there, he gets the credit for that.

Despite violating the celebration rules, Matthew Tkachuk still enjoyed his day with the Stanley Cup in St. Louis. He spent time with his Hall of Fame father, Keith Tkachuk, and took the trophy to the local St. Louis Children's Hospital.

With the celebrations now behind him, Matthew Tkachuk can focus on training with his brother Brady, aiming to prepare for another championship run.

Source: The Hockey News

Matthew Tkachuk explains who came up with idea of taking Stanley Cup into Atlantic Ocean