Florida Panthers Draw 400,000 Fans for Second Consecutive Stanley Cup Parade

The Florida Panthers celebrated their second consecutive Stanley Cup victory with a large parade and rally on Fort Lauderdale Beach, drawing an estimated 400,000 fans who reveled in the sunny weather and festive atmosphere. Players like Brad Marchand and Matthew Tkachuk expressed their joy and commitment to the team, with Marchand indicating a desire to remain with the Panthers. The parade showcased not only the players' achievements but also the passionate support of the community, which has grown alongside the team's recent success after decades of limited playoff presence. The Panthers’ front office plans to leverage this momentum and fan enthusiasm to retain key players such as Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, and Marchand, aiming for a third consecutive championship. Fans were seen celebrating exuberantly, including some drinking beer from their shoes, highlighting the vibrant party mood. This event underscored the Panthers’ transformation into a competitive and popular team in the NHL, disproving notions that southern hockey teams lack fan support.