Matthew Tkachuk gets married in lavish wedding to cap off Panthers' Stanley Cup victory lap
The star Panthers forward married fiancée Ellie Connell over the weekend, according to videos shared on social media, roughly one month after winning the Stanley Cup for the second consecutive season.
The couple swapped vows at a church where Tkachuk, looking dapper in a dark tux, dipped his bride for a kiss as they walked down the aisle.
5 Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk wed Ellie Connell over the weekend.
@FloridaPanthersDen/X
Connell, who reportedly got engaged to the two-time NHL All-Star in 2024, stunned in a strapless gown with a sweetheart neckline.
Once the party got underway at the reception, it was the groom's father, Hockey Hall of Famer Keith Tkachuk, who stole the spotlight as he was hoisted onto a chair as Chappell Roan's 'Pink Pony Club' blared in the background.
The song was famously part of the Oilers' latest Stanley Cup run, which was thwarted in back-to-back years by the Panthers.
5 The groom's father, Keith Tkachuk, stole the spotlight at the reception.
@evansannie/Instagram
5 The groom dipped his bride as they kissed.
@SashaBarky/X
Florida defeated Edmonton in six games this year after going to seven in 2024.
'We've got to be a dynasty now,' Tkachuk said in June. 'Three years in a row finals, two championships. This is a special group.'
The Panthers have reached the Stanley Cup Final since 2023, losing in five that year to the Golden Knights.
5 Matthew Tkachuck in action for the Panthers during the Stanley Cup Final.
NHLI via Getty Images
Tkachuk was traded to the Panthers before the start of the 2022-23 season after spending the first six years of his NHL career with the Flames.
Though Tkachuk was a factor in this year's Cup run — he scored eight goals across 23 playoff appearances — his postseason availability seemed murky after he sustained a lower-body injury during the 4 Nations Face-Off competition.
5 The Panthers hoisted the Stanley Cup in back to back years.
AP
He had not played since February.
'I've had some ups and downs throughout the playoffs, (but) now I'm feeling the best I've felt,' Tkachuck said. 'Personally, I'm very happy with where the health is and everything.'
And now, he'll have a championship ring to pair with his wedding band.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Worrying Isaah Yeo detail emerges as Penrith's NRL finals charge hits major hurdle
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary admits he's not sure when Isaah Yeo will return for the Panthers as mystery surrounds the shoulder injury he suffered in last week's golden point win over Gold Coast. The Panthers trainer controversy has dominated the headlines this week, but the injury to Penrith's co-captain is also concerning for the club and their chances of securing a top-four finish. Yeo was in obvious discomfort after landing awkwardly on his shoulder in the first half of the Titans game. While he was able to play on and featured for most of the second half, Yeo was unable to finish the game and is set to miss Friday night's round 23 showdown at Newcastle, where the Panthers will be looking to extend their NRL winning streak to nine games. Isaiah Papali'i has been named to wear the No.13 jersey in the absence of Yeo, who has been an almost ever-present for the four-time reigning premiers over the course of their NRL dynasty. Since the start of the club's historic run in 2020, Yeo has only missed 16 games for the club and 14 of those have come around Origin time - whether playing for the Blues or being rested after games for his state. The only other two games Yeo has missed for Penrith over that period were due to head knocks in 2020 and 2022. And it poses a major question around how the Panthers will handle the absence of their inspirational co-captain and what effect it could have on their run home, after Penrith's coach admitted he's not sure when Yeo will return. Isaah Yeo will go for scans on a right shoulder injury that the Panthers hope isn't too suggests main concern is shoulder instability (subluxation/dislocation) - mechanism landing on outstretched just a subluxation considering ability to play through… — NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) August 3, 2025 Penrith unsure when injured skipper Isaah Yeo will return "Clearly there's been a little bit of a concern with his shoulder," coach Cleary said. "We'll just give him as much time as he needs, and we're very confident he'll be back." The Penrith coach revealed this week that Yeo had not completely dislocated his right shoulder. RELATED: Dragons set to sign QLD Origin player as former coach lands new gig Calls for NRL rule change after second Panthers trainer incident Eels rocked as third player from grand final team 'requests release' But he conceded the timeframe on his co-captain's return remains a mystery and couldn't say whether Yeo would have been fit enough to play this weekend, had it been a grand final. "We don't know," the Penrith coach responded to a question about Yeo's likely return date. "It was a sublux, so it didn't come right out. They all vary. The fact that he can keep playing is a really good sign. Obviously he pulled up a little sore at halftime and then after the game. He won't be playing this week, and we'll just take it as it comes and see how he goes." Penrith have jumped up to fifth on the ladder - one point behind the Warriors - off the back of their eight-game winning streak. But they face a tricky run home after Friday night's game against Newcastle, with clashes against top-three sides Melbourne, Canberra and the Bulldogs, followed by an away game against the Dragons to close out the season. Yeo's absence for any of those games will make Penrith's quest for a top-four finish that much harder. And the fact that no team has won an NRL premiership finishing outside the four in the current finals format, highlights how important it will be for the Panthers to have Yeo back on the park. "Yeoy he is a massive integral part of our side ... To fill his shoes it is going to be a bit of a joint venture," prop Lindsay Smith said about the skipper. "There are definitely a couple of us boys in the middle that need to take a step up. "You can't replicate Yeoy and you can't replicate his leadership and calmness on the field. But everyone can chip in there in their own department to fill that void as a whole ... When he's been out, we've been able to do that in games." with AAP
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Devils' Jack Hughes Should Hit New Milestone Next Season
New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes once again had a strong season in 2024-25. In 62 games with the Metropolitan Division club, the 2019 first-overall pick recorded 27 goals, 43 assists, 70 points, and a plus-12 rating. Unfortunately, his campaign came to an early end in March, as he underwent season-ending shoulder surgery.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
LA Kings Reveal 2025-26 Promotional Game Schedule with Fan Favorites and New Theme Nights
The LA Kings unveiled their promotional game schedule for the 2025-26 NHL season, marked by a mix of the return of popular fan theme nights and new community-oriented experiences. The season opens on October 7 at Arena against the Colorado Avalanche, commemorated as Opening Night with a full arena giveaway and the debut of a full promotional schedule. While the complete list of promotions is still coming together, the Kings have unveiled some marquee nights where fans can expect unique giveaways, theme nights, and collaborations with some of the iconic LA franchises like the Lakers, Dodgers, and Galaxy. 2025-26 Select Promotional Nights Opening Night — October 7 vs. Colorado Avalanche The Kings begin their season at home on one of the first nights of NHL action. All fans attending will receive a pom pom giveaway, marking the perfect start to the year. Día de Muertos — November 1 vs. New Jersey Devils Presented by Delta Air Lines, the initial 10,000 fans will receive a Flameless LED Candle in celebration of Día de Muertos. The specialty baseball jersey designed for the game is also awarded to ticket pack holders. Hockey for Heroes — November 6 vs. Florida Panthers In conjunction with IBEW, NECA & LMCC, this event honors current and former military members. Over 20,000 veterans will be present as part of the Hockey for Heroes night. Lakers Night — December 6 vs. Chicago Blackhawks Back by popular demand, Lakers Night brings together Arena's NBA family. Purchasers of ticket packs receive a Lakers x LA Kings crewneck sweatshirt, with past events featuring appearances by Lakers legends. Family Night Out with Peanuts — December 13 vs. Calgary Flames One of the most promoted giveaways of the season: the first 10,000 fans receive a Snoopy Bobblehead—excellent Saturday night outing for Downtown LA families. Star Wars Night — January 3 vs. Minnesota Wild A King's season tradition, Star Wars Night provides fans with an out-of-this-world experience. Ticket packages come with a Kings x Star Wars fanny pack. Dodgers Night — January 14 vs. Vegas Golden Knights The Kings collaborate with the LA Dodgers for another crossover celebration. The events have featured Dodgers players in attendance before. Ticket pack buyers are winners of a Dodgers x LA Kings crewneck. K-Town Night — January 20 vs. New York Rangers A response to the Koreatown Senior Center's viral national anthem performance at the 2025 playoffs, the Kings are celebrating the Korean community with K-Town Night, which is shaping up to be one of the most enjoyable cultural celebrations of the year. Hello Kitty Night — February 4 vs. Seattle Kraken The first 10,000 fans receive a Hello Kitty paper crown, and ticket pack holders also receive an LA Kings x Hello Kitty plush—a night of hockey and cuteness in conjunction with Sanrio. Country Night — February 26 vs. Edmonton Oilers Thanks to Shoeteria, the first 10,000 fans will receive a Kings-themed cowboy hat as the Oilers return for a playoff rematch on this Western-themed night. Galaxy Night — April 1 vs. St. Louis Blues MLS meets NHL again as the Kings host Galaxy Night, presented by American Express. The defending MLS Cup champs join the Kings for a soccer-meets-hockey celebration. First Responders Night — April 9 vs. Vancouver Canucks Presented by SoCalGas, this night recognizes the brave men and women who serve our local communities, with tributes throughout the evening. Fan & Season Ticket Member Appreciation Night — April 11 vs. Edmonton Oilers The last regular-season home contest makes the fans the stars. The first 10,000 fans receive a Kings felt pennant, and throughout the evening, the club will honor Season Ticket Members and community supporters. For the complete and most up-to-date list of theme nights, ticket packs, and special promotions, fans can visit and the Kings' community page.
