Panthers celebrate back-to-back championships and open new NHL season with a win

SUNRISE, Florida – The 2024-25 NHL season began with a special ceremony for the current Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers. The team celebrated winning their second consecutive title with the raising of a new banner at the Amerant Bank Arena.

Celebration and New Challenges for the Panthers

The event marked the beginning of a new campaign for the Panthers, who are now looking towards the future with the ambition of achieving a third championship. The new banner, with a white background and red letters, joins the team’s previous titles, symbolizing the constant pursuit of excellence.

This is a new year and a new opportunity for us.

Brad Marchand, Panthers forward

The fans, eager to relive the glory, gathered for a photo session with the Stanley Cup before the game. The festive atmosphere filled the stadium, culminating in the presentation of the trophy on the ice. Aaron Ekblad, assistant captain, had the honor of carrying the Cup onto the ice.

Incredible, to go out in front of our fans and be able to lift it one more time.

Aaron Ekblad, assistant captain

The flag-raising ceremony was followed by the players’ greeting to the fans, who responded with chants of “We want three!”. The opening night was the culmination of two days of celebration for the champions, including a private ceremony on Monday night where championship rings were presented to the players and coaches. However, the season will not be without challenges. Captain Aleksander Barkov will miss several months, and possibly the entire season, due to a knee injury. Matthew Tkachuk will also be out until December due to surgery. Despite these setbacks, the team remains optimistic and focused on the goal of achieving a third consecutive championship.