Florida Panthers Celebrate Championship with Banner Raise Before New Season

SUNRISE, Fla. — The Florida Panthers commenced a new season on Tuesday, raising a championship banner to commemorate their back-to-back Stanley Cup victories. The ceremony took place at Amerant Bank Arena, where players and fans celebrated the achievements of the previous season.

As the banner ascended with the year 2025 etched in red lettering, forward Aaron Ekblad reflected on the team’s last successful run. “This is a new year and it’s a new opportunity for us,” he stated. “When it starts, it’s time to turn the page and start working toward a chance to hopefully do it again.”

The Panthers opened their season with a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks, showcasing their commitment to defending their title. Fans eagerly participated in the festivities, arriving early to capture moments with the Stanley Cup, which was also presented during the ceremony.

During the celebrations, forward Brad Marchand expressed the collective mindset of the team and its supporters. “We want three! We want three!” he echoed, aligning with the fans’ aspirations for a third consecutive title.

Despite the jubilant atmosphere, the Panthers are contending with injuries. Captain Aleksander Barkov may miss the entire season due to torn ligaments, while forward Matthew Tkachuk is sidelined until at least December following surgery. Both players did attend the celebration, further motivating their teammates.

Coach Paul Maurice highlighted the significance of the banner and the shared memories it represents, emphasizing the balance between celebrating past success and focusing on future challenges. “This is a special group. And it’s a celebration, but at the same time, it’s a turning of the page,” he said.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman remarked on the rarity of the Panthers’ situation to succeed once again, especially with key players unavailable. “This is going to be an interesting story,” he noted, praising the organization’s resilience. “My guess is this team is going to give it all to make it happen again if they can.”