The Florida Panthers welcomed hundreds of fans on Sept. 29, to the Baptist Health IcePlex for their annual Fan Fest. Drawing in a sea of red, blue and gold, fans celebrated the team’s return to the ice.
Supporters got a first look at the team, met mascots and took part in games and activities as excitement builds for the upcoming season.
With two Stanley Cup titles in the past two years, excitement is at an all-time high. But uncertainty looms as captain Aleksander Barkov could miss significant time this season due to an ACL injury sustained in the team’s first practice.
Although this may be an obstacle the cats will have to overcome, fans are sure to support every step of the way.
“The word on the street is that everybody’s excited about the season getting started,” said longtime fan Bobby Noonan. “This is hockey town.”
The event highlighted the passion South Florida has developed for hockey, with both kids and longtime fans ready to back the team through every challenge. As the Panthers chase a potential three-peat, Fan Fest made it clear the community is ready to cheer them on to the end.
