The prospects representing the Florida Panthers in Wesley Chapel got off to a strong start on Friday. Facing the Carolina Hurricanes, Florida never trailed and ultimately picked up a strong 3-2 victory in a shootout. Forward Sandis Vilmanis got things started for the Cats, scoring early in the opening frame to give Florida a 1-0 lead. Jack Devine put the Panthers up 2-1 in the third period, but Florida ultimately needed to go to a shootout before getting away with a win. Next up for the Cats will be the Tampa Bay Lightning, and that game is set for Saturday at 5 p.m. The team's full roster and schedule can be found by clicking here [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/panthers-prospects-gather-in-fort-lauderdale-ahead-of-2025-prospect-showcase-outside-tampa]. All games are open to the public and free to attend, and all games are also being offered via online stream. After Friday’s opener, Vilmanis and fellow Florida prospect Ryan McAllister spoke about the game. Their comments can be seen in the video below: LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA REPORT: Panthers Continue To Hand Out PTOs; Josh Lopina, Daniel Walcott To Join Camp [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/report-panthers-continue-to-hand-out-ptos-josh-lopina-daniel-walcott-to-join-camp] Panthers prospects gather in Fort Lauderdale ahead of 2025 Prospect Showcase outside Tampa [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/panthers-prospects-gather-in-fort-lauderdale-ahead-of-2025-prospect-showcase-outside-tampa] Panthers Prospect Jack Devine Confirms Florida Was The Only Place He Wanted To Play [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/players/panthers-prospect-jack-devine-confirms-florida-was-the-only-place-he-wanted-to-play] Brad Marchand has long dreamed of playing for Team Canada at Winter Olympics [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/players/brad-marchand-has-long-dreamed-of-playing-for-team-canada-at-winter-olympics/comment/Cc8zIlOW7hkV0rqmVbz6] Sam Bennett shares Stanley Cup with Broward Humane Society, home to his Benny's Buddies charity [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/players/sam-bennett-shares-stanley-cup-with-broward-humane-society-home-to-his-benny-s-buddies-charity] Photo caption: Florida Panthers prospects celebrate a goal scored at the 2025 Prospect Showcase in Wesley Chapel, Florida. (Florida Panthers)
