Panthers celebrate back-to-back championship with massive party in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale was once again dressed in celebration, with champagne, cigars, and the Stanley Cup shining in the sun. The Florida Panthers celebrated their back-to-back championship in a parade and gathering on the beach, attracting nearly 400,000 fans. The event, similar to the previous year’s, this time had sunny weather that contrasted with the rain of the previous celebration.

It’s a much better day than last year, but still, this is amazing. What a day we’re having with you!
Aleksander Barkov, Panthers captain

Coach Paul Maurice, sporting a special jersey designed by his daughter, declared this “the summer of love” for the team’s fans. The fans celebrated the presence of Brad Marchand, who arrived at the team in a trade and expressed his desire to continue with the Panthers. Forward Matthew Tkachuk, with a phrase inspired by Conor McGregor, generated great enthusiasm among those present.

I could get used to this.
Matthew Tkachuk

Tkachuk thanked team owner Vincent Viola and general manager Bill Zito for the change that transformed his life. Defenseman Aaron Ekblad, repeating his gesture from last year, threw a jab at golfer Brooks Koepka. Sam Reinhart, who missed the previous parade, didn’t want to miss this celebration and shared his joy with the fans.

The only thing I’ve heard all day is that this is the best parade that has been done in South Florida. Thank God I missed last year’s and not this one.
Sam Reinhart

Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky expressed his hope of repeating the celebration next year. Sam Bennett, winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy, listened to the fans’ chants asking for his contract renewal and ended his speech with that same request.