The Florida Panthers are making a habit of championship parades, and Sunday’s celebration on the sands of Fort Lauderdale Beach proved they’re only getting better at it.
Just days removed from clinching their second straight Stanley Cup title with a six-game triumph over the Edmonton Oilers, the Panthers brought the trophy—and the party—back to the beach for a sun-soaked celebration with thousands of ecstatic fans.
“It’s a little better day today than it was last year,” Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov said, referencing last year’s rain-soaked event. “But still, this is amazing. What a day we’re having with you guys.”
Under clear blue skies, the Panthers turned Fort Lauderdale Beach into hockey’s hottest celebration spot. Fans packed the shoreline, some wading waist-deep in the ocean just to get a glimpse of their heroes. The scene stretched hundreds of yards down the beach as chants, cheers, and music filled the air.
Head coach Paul Maurice, ever the showman, dubbed it “the summer of love” for Panthers fans. True to tradition, he wore a custom shirt featuring his cats, Poppy and Penny—a design created by his daughter, who also made last year’s now-iconic version.
The parade wasn’t short on star power or swagger. Matthew Tkachuk, never one to shy away from the spotlight, fired up the crowd with a bold twist on Conor McGregor’s famous line.
“I would like to apologize to absolutely … nobody because a double champ does whatever … he wants!” Tkachuk shouted, drawing massive cheers. “I could get used to this,” he added, admiring the sea of red and black-clad fans.
Newcomer Brad Marchand, acquired from rival Boston, received a warm welcome—along with chants of “Thank you, Boston” from the crowd. The veteran forward, now a free agent, made it clear he hopes to stay in South Florida.
“I’m so happy that I don’t have to play against these guys anymore,” Marchand said, pointing to his new teammates.
Defenseman Aaron Ekblad kept his annual tradition alive by taking a playful jab at golfer Brooks Koepka, who once heckled him at a game. The crowd roared in appreciation of the inside joke, another chapter in the growing lore of this championship team.
Sam Reinhart, who scored four goals in the Cup-clinching Game 6, missed last year’s parade due to a friend’s wedding—but wasn’t about to miss this one.
“The only thing I’ve heard all day is how this is the best parade that’s ever been had in South Florida,” Reinhart said. “Thank God I missed last year and not this year.”
Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, the bedrock of Florida’s playoff run, thanked fans for their support and expressed hope that next year brings another beachside bash.
And then there was Sam Bennett—fresh off being named playoff MVP with the Conn Smythe Trophy. With the crowd chanting their hopes for a contract extension, Bennett grinned and delivered his own plea.
“Eight more years, please,” he said.
From the Stanley Cup to the sunshine, the second time around might’ve been even sweeter for the Panthers. And if this team keeps playing the way it has, fans might want to get used to championship summers on the beach.
