As early as 6:30 on Sunday morning, hundreds of fans began to gather for the Florida Panthers parade celebrating their first Stanley Cup win in franchise history. By 7:30, Elbo Room, a local bar, was already starting to fill up with excited fans. By 9 a.m., it was packed to capacity with no more elbow room to spare.
The conclusion of this weeklong celebration marked a significant accomplishment for the team that many doubted would last in the NHL when it was established back in 1993-94. After 31 years of existence, the Panthers had finally garnered the support and attention they deserved. Their success on the ice had finally put them in the spotlight, shaking off the shadows of more established sports franchises like the Marlins, Heat, and Dolphins.
Matthew Tkachuk brought the Stanley Cup to Elbo Room on the morning after their win over Edmonton Oilers in seven games. The cup made its rounds, taking a dip in the Atlantic Ocean and even being used as a pasta bowl by Panthers legend Robert Luongo. The energy and excitement surrounding this historic achievement set the stage for what promised to be an unforgettable day for South Florida sports.
Shandel Richardson, publisher of Inside The Heat, covered this momentous occasion and highlighted its impact on local sports scene. Follow his updates and coverage on Facebook and Twitter for more details on this historic event!