The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in Sunrise, Florida. The team was founded in 1993 and plays in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Hockey League (NHL). Over the years, the Panthers have had their fair share of ups and downs, but the team has always remained an integral part of the NHL.
Florida Panthers Hockey Team
Team History:
The Florida Panthers were founded in 1993 as an NHL expansion team, along with the Anaheim Ducks. The team played their first game on October 6, 1993, against the Chicago Blackhawks, which they won 4-3.
Stanley Cup Finals Appearance:
The Panthers made it to the Stanley Cup Finals in the 1995-1996 season, where they lost to the Colorado Avalanche in four games. Despite the loss, the Panthers' run to the Finals was an impressive feat for a relatively new team.
Mascot:
The Panthers' official mascot is Stanley C. Panther, a friendly and energetic cat who is always ready to cheer on the team and entertain the fans.
Ownership:
The Panthers are owned by Vincent Viola, a billionaire businessman who also served as the Secretary of the Army under President Donald Trump. Viola has been the team's owner since 2013.
Home Arena:
The Panthers play their home games at the BB&T Center, a state-of-the-art arena located in Sunrise, Florida. The arena can seat up to 19,250 fans and features modern amenities such as luxury suites, restaurants, and bars.
Retired Jerseys:
The Panthers have retired two jerseys in their history: #1 for former goaltender John Vanbies brouck and #37 for former forward and team captain, Bill Lindsay.
All-Star Game Host:
The Panthers have hosted the NHL All-Star Game twice in their history, in 2003 and 2015. Both events were highly successful, showcasing the team's home arena and the city of Sunrise to a global audience.
Recent Success:
The Panthers have had a resurgence in recent years, qualifying for the playoffs in three out of the last four seasons. In the 2020-2021 season, the team won the Central Division title, their first division championship in the NHL.
Key Players:
The Panthers' current roster features several talented players, including Aleksander Barkov, who won the Selke Trophy as the NHL's best defensive forward in 2021. Other key players include Jonathan Huberdeau, Aaron Ekblad, and Sergei Bobrovsky.
Community Involvement:
The Panthers are deeply involved in the local community, supporting various charities and initiatives throughout South Florida. The team's charitable arm, the Florida Panthers Foundation, has donated millions of dollars to local organizations and causes since its inception in 2003.