SUNRISE, Fla. – Cheering erupted across South Florida Thursday as Panthers fans displayed their pride in full force.
From hoisting the Stanley Cup to meeting their favorite players, fans and players are both relishing in the moment after the Florida Panthers won their first championship in franchise history on Monday night.
“I couldn’t believe the line out there when I pulled in,” said Panthers star forward Matthew Tkachuk during a meet and greet at Raising Cane’s in Pompano Beach Thursday morning.
The excitement continued to build at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Sawgrass Mills Mall, where fans gathered to meet Panthers center Sam Reinhart, who scored the team’s go-ahead goal to seal Game 7 vs. the Edmonton Oilers.
“I love the Panthers. I’m so happy we won the Cup, and I want to meet my boy, Sam Reinhart,” said Florida Panthers fan Evan Hiteshew.
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“It’s gonna be cool. He’s been a big player for us this season,” said Brendan, a Panthers fan. ”He led our team with goal-scoring.”
Long-time Panthers supporters shared their pride in the team and the significance of the championship victory.
“People say that South Florida is not a hockey town, but I think it proves we have a good fan base. South Florida has good fans,” said longtime Panthers fan Isaac Fleischer.
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Panthers fan Sara Varela shared her hopes for the team’s and Reinhart’s future: “So excited. I really hope he stays here for the rest of his career. He’s amazing,” she said.
The Panthers faithful are now gearing up for the team’s Parade of Champions at Fort Lauderdale Beach on Sunday.
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