Florida Panthers Celebrate Stanley Cup Rings with Urgent Ceremony
UPDATE: The Florida Panthers officially celebrated their back-to-back Stanley Cup victories by distributing championship rings during a private ceremony on October 9, 2023. The event marks a momentous occasion for the team, with players and staff finally receiving their long-awaited rings adorned with over 250 diamonds and rubies.
Seth Jones, who joined the Panthers midway through last season, was the first to receive his ring. However, the excitement was palpable as all players adhered to a team rule: the boxes remained closed until everyone could unveil their rings together. “Awesome,” Jones exclaimed. “It’s a collection piece for the rest of my life.”
The rings feature a unique inscription reflecting the spirited speeches from players Matthew Tkachuk and Sam Bennett at the Stanley Cup parade, declaring they apologize to no one. This motto is etched inside the rings, symbolizing the team’s bold attitude.
The ceremony was held privately with players dressed in dark suits and red ties, while ownership, including Vincent and Teresa Viola, exchanged rings among themselves, highlighting the emotional connection they feel towards the team. “Owning a sports team has shown me the spirit of togetherness, family, everything that I hoped it would be,” Teresa Viola stated, underscoring the heartfelt bonds formed within the organization.
Fans can look forward to celebrating alongside the team as the Panthers raise their championship banner before the home opener against the Chicago Blackhawks on October 10, 2023. The anticipation builds as the team prepares to defend their title.
All trophies from last season were displayed during the ceremony, including the Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded to Sam Bennett as playoff MVP, and the Selke Trophy, received by captain Aleksander Barkov for being the NHL’s best defensive forward. These accolades underscore the Panthers’ impressive achievements over the past seasons.
As the Panthers embark on another quest for the Stanley Cup, they remain focused on the future while cherishing their recent accomplishments. Coach Paul Maurice emphasized the importance of moving forward, stating, “Dealing with that and not living in the past is very important. But also, it’s OK to enjoy tonight.”
The quest for a third consecutive title begins as the Panthers gear up for the new season, ready to face the challenges ahead.
