Matthew Tkachuk, forward for the Florida Panthers, broke a Stanley Cup rule by plunging it into the Atlantic Ocean during celebrations after their victory against the Edmonton Oilers.
This act, though amusing and viral, might lead to a sanction. Tkachuk explained that he didn't know it was forbidden and that the idea came from his brother, Brady. He added that they were alone, with no one to warn them.
"My brother said, 'The ocean is right there, why don't you take the Cup in right now?' I told him, 'That's a great idea. Let's do it.'
I suppose I didn't give him credit when I was first asked about it, and he was pretty mad at me, so the credit goes to him for that."
- Matthew Tkachuk, via MarkerZone
Tkachuk found the act funny but assured that he wouldn't have done it if he knew it was prohibited. Some reports indicate that the combination of saltwater and silver could damage the trophy.
If a sanction is imposed, Tkachuk is ready to accept it without issue, even if he finds it exaggerated.
