Panthers players receive extra motivation after dad's join trip to Nashville
When Florida hit the road for a quick trip to face the Nashville Predators, the players' dads decided to chaperone
There was something special and unique about the Florida Panthers trip up to Nashville this week.
It wasn’t just that the Cats were able to snap a four-game winless skid with Monday night’s 4-1 victory over the Predators, but it was also about who came along for the trip that made it such a memorable journey.
“This was a big game for us,” Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurce said afterwards. “The dads are here.”
Indeed, the annual dad’s trip took place this week, with the fathers of Florida’s players hitting the road with the team for their two-day jaunt up to Nashville.
The Panthers were able to leave their frustrating week behind in South Florida and enjoy some time away from everything with some of the most important people in their lives.
“It’s a breath of fresh air,” Panthers goalie Anthony Stolarz told Bally Sports’ Katie Engleson. “It lightens the mood a little bit, some of the dads are joking around and whatnot, and it’s really special to share an experience like this.”
The good times started rolling once everyone arrived in Nashville, when they all went out for a big group dinner.
“It's awesome,” said Florida center Sam Bennett. “We had a great dinner last night, it was so fun getting to spend time with our dads. I know my dad looks forward to this this week every year so it's pretty special that the Florida Panthers will do that and bring out our dads, and it's always nice to get a win in front of them as well.”
Oh yeah, about that.
The Panthers took the ice at Bridgestone Arena on Monday and played one of their most complete games of the season, defeating the Predators soundly by a final score of 4-1.
Inside a luxury suite behind the Florida goal were the dads, all wearing matching cowboy hats obtained during their stop in the Music City.
“It's awesome having my dad and all the other dads getting to know where everyone came from and all the different personalities,” said Panthers forward Carter Verhaeghe. “To get (the game-winning goal) on the dad’s trip is a little extra special for sure.”
After the game, while still on the ice, all the Panthers players skated down to the end of the rink where the dads were sitting and lifted their sticks to salute them.
It was a perfect way to end a memorable couple of days.
"Honestly it's been great just hanging out with the guys, the camraderie with the parents and the kids, it's been great," said Dave Ekblad, Aaron Ekblad's father, told Engleson during the game. "The stories...Big Walt (Keith Tkachuk), Paul Reinhart, it's good to hear the stories from the days we were growing up watching the game."
Added Stolarz: “They’re part of our lives and an important reason we got to where we are, and to be able to experience this with them was super special."
LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA
