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

The Florida Panthers celebrated their second consecutive Stanley Cup championship with a massive parade in Fort Lauderdale, drawing a crowd of nearly 400,000 fans along the beach and streets. Unlike last year's rain-soaked event, this year's celebration was held under bright sunshine, enhancing the festive atmosphere. Team captain Aleksander Barkov, forward Matthew Tkachuk, and other players expressed their joy and gratitude, with Tkachuk unapologetically embracing their double-champion status. Coach Paul Maurice, donning a custom shirt featuring his cats wearing crowns, called it “the summer of love,” while GM Bill Zito praised the unity among players, coaches, and staff. Key mid-season addition Brad Marchand, who came from Boston, indicated his desire to stay with the team, and fan chants called for re-signing forward Sam Bennett. The parade route and rally replicated last year's format, with the team traveling on double-decker buses and fans even entering the Atlantic ocean to catch a glimpse of the Stanley Cup.