Florida Panthers

Cats take over the beach: Panthers celebrate first Stanley Cup with historic parade

By Al Diaz, Carl Juste, Matias Ocner, David Santiago, Alie Skowronski

Defying the rain, the Panthers’ championship celebration ignited a frenzy among the drenched fans lining A1A in Fort Lauderdale Beach on Sunday.

Cheers echoed through the streets, a testament to the overflowing love for their Stanley Cup-winning heroes.

Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) reacts while holding the Stanley Cup during a victory parade rally at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park off A1A on Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The parade was held to celebrate the Florida Panthers after they defeated the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) reacts while holding the Stanley Cup during a victory parade rally at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park off A1A on Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The parade was held to celebrate the Florida Panthers after they defeated the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. MATIAS J. OCNER mocner@miamiherald.com
Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) prepares to lift the Stanley Cup during a victory parade rally at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park off A1A on Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The parade was held to celebrate the Florida Panthers after they defeated the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) prepares to lift the Stanley Cup during a victory parade rally at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park off A1A on Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The parade was held to celebrate the Florida Panthers after they defeated the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. MATIAS J. OCNER mocner@miamiherald.com
Florida Panthers centers Aleksander Barkov (16), Eetu Luostarinen (27) and Anton Lundell (15) celebrate on stage during a Stanley Cup victory parade rally at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park off A1A on Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The parade was held to celebrate the Florida Panthers after they defeated the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Florida Panthers centers Aleksander Barkov (16), Eetu Luostarinen (27) and Anton Lundell (15) celebrate on stage during a Stanley Cup victory parade rally at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park off A1A on Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The parade was held to celebrate the Florida Panthers after they defeated the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. MATIAS J. OCNER mocner@miamiherald.com
Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov (16), head coach Paul Maurice and general manager Bill Zito are seen on stage during a Stanley Cup victory parade rally at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park off A1A on Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The parade was held to celebrate the Florida Panthers after they defeated the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov (16), head coach Paul Maurice and general manager Bill Zito are seen on stage during a Stanley Cup victory parade rally at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park off A1A on Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The parade was held to celebrate the Florida Panthers after they defeated the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. MATIAS J. OCNER mocner@miamiherald.com
Florida Panthers center Steven Lorentz (18) helps Florida Panthers right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (10) drink out of the Stanley Cup during the Florida Panthers Stanley Cup victory rally along A1A in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Sunday, June 30, 2024.
Florida Panthers center Steven Lorentz (18) helps Florida Panthers right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (10) drink out of the Stanley Cup during the Florida Panthers Stanley Cup victory rally along A1A in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Sunday, June 30, 2024. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Florida Panthers defenseman Gustav Forsling (42) lifts the Stanley Cup during a victory parade rally at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park off A1A on Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The parade was held to celebrate the Florida Panthers after they defeated the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Florida Panthers defenseman Gustav Forsling (42) lifts the Stanley Cup during a victory parade rally at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park off A1A on Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The parade was held to celebrate the Florida Panthers after they defeated the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. MATIAS J. OCNER mocner@miamiherald.com
Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) lifts the Stanley Cup during a victory parade rally at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park off A1A on Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The parade was held to celebrate the Florida Panthers after they defeated the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) lifts the Stanley Cup during a victory parade rally at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park off A1A on Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The parade was held to celebrate the Florida Panthers after they defeated the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. MATIAS J. OCNER mocner@miamiherald.com
Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov (16) lifts the Stanley Cup during the Florida Panthers Stanley Cup victory rally along A1A in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Sunday, June 30, 2024.
Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov (16) lifts the Stanley Cup during the Florida Panthers Stanley Cup victory rally along A1A in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Sunday, June 30, 2024. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (5) lifts the Stanley Cup during a victory parade rally at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park off A1A on Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The parade was held to celebrate the Florida Panthers after they defeated the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (5) lifts the Stanley Cup during a victory parade rally at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park off A1A on Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The parade was held to celebrate the Florida Panthers after they defeated the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. MATIAS J. OCNER mocner@miamiherald.com
Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov (16) smiles while holding the Stanley Cup with teammates during the Florida Panthers Stanley Cup Victory parade on Sunday, June 30, 2024 down Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov (16) smiles while holding the Stanley Cup with teammates during the Florida Panthers Stanley Cup Victory parade on Sunday, June 30, 2024 down Fort Lauderdale Beach. Alie Skowronski askowronski@miamiherald.com
Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky lifts the Stanley Cup as fans cheers during the Florida Panthers victory parade before the Stanley Cup victory parade at Fort Lauderdale Beach on Tuesday, June 30, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale. 
Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky lifts the Stanley Cup as fans cheers during the Florida Panthers victory parade before the Stanley Cup victory parade at Fort Lauderdale Beach on Tuesday, June 30, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale.  Alie Skowronski askowronski@miamiherald.com
Florida Panthers right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (10) hands the Stanley cup to Florida Panthers left wing Ryan Lomberg (94) during the Florida Panthers Stanley Cup Victory parade on Sunday, June 30, 2024 down Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Florida Panthers right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (10) hands the Stanley cup to Florida Panthers left wing Ryan Lomberg (94) during the Florida Panthers Stanley Cup Victory parade on Sunday, June 30, 2024 down Fort Lauderdale Beach. Alie Skowronski askowronski@miamiherald.com
Florida Panthers center Carter Verhaeghe (23) lifts the Stanley Cup during a victory parade at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park off A1A on Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The parade was held to celebrate the Florida Panthers after they defeated the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Florida Panthers center Carter Verhaeghe (23) lifts the Stanley Cup during a victory parade at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park off A1A on Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The parade was held to celebrate the Florida Panthers after they defeated the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. MATIAS J. OCNER mocner@miamiherald.com
Florida Panthers left wing Ryan Lomberg (94) holds a rat during the Florida Panthers Stanley Cup victory parade along A1A in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Sunday, June 30, 2024.
Florida Panthers left wing Ryan Lomberg (94) holds a rat during the Florida Panthers Stanley Cup victory parade along A1A in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Sunday, June 30, 2024. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Florida Panthers left wing Ryan Lomberg lifts the Stanley Cup as fans cheers during the Florida Panthers victory parade before the Stanley Cup victory parade at Fort Lauderdale Beach on Tuesday, June 30, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale. 
Florida Panthers left wing Ryan Lomberg lifts the Stanley Cup as fans cheers during the Florida Panthers victory parade before the Stanley Cup victory parade at Fort Lauderdale Beach on Tuesday, June 30, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale.  Alie Skowronski askowronski@miamiherald.com
Florida Panthers center Evan Rodrigues (17) high fives fans with his kids during the Florida Panthers Stanley Cup Victory parade on Sunday, June 30, 2024 down Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Florida Panthers center Evan Rodrigues (17) high fives fans with his kids during the Florida Panthers Stanley Cup Victory parade on Sunday, June 30, 2024 down Fort Lauderdale Beach. Alie Skowronski askowronski@miamiherald.com
Florida Panthers center Nick Cousins (21) high-fives fans during the Stanley Cup victory parade at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park off A1A on Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The parade was held to celebrate the Florida Panthers after they defeated the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Florida Panthers center Nick Cousins (21) high-fives fans during the Stanley Cup victory parade at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park off A1A on Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The parade was held to celebrate the Florida Panthers after they defeated the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. MATIAS J. OCNER mocner@miamiherald.com
Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk interacts with fans during the Florida Panthers victory parade before the Stanley Cup victory parade at Fort Lauderdale Beach on Tuesday, June 30, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale. 
Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk interacts with fans during the Florida Panthers victory parade before the Stanley Cup victory parade at Fort Lauderdale Beach on Tuesday, June 30, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale.  Carl Juste cjuste@miamiherald.com
Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov lifts the Stanley Cup alongside teammates as fans cheers during the Florida Panthers victory parade before the Stanley Cup victory parade at Fort Lauderdale Beach on Tuesday, June 30, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale. 
Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov lifts the Stanley Cup alongside teammates as fans cheers during the Florida Panthers victory parade before the Stanley Cup victory parade at Fort Lauderdale Beach on Tuesday, June 30, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale.  Alie Skowronski askowronski@miamiherald.com
The rain didn’t stop the Panther’s championship celebration as Ryan Lomberg, center, hypes the rain-soaked fans as the double-decker makes its way south on A1A after winning the Stanley Cup during the parade in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, June 30, 2024.
The rain didn’t stop the Panther’s championship celebration as Ryan Lomberg, center, hypes the rain-soaked fans as the double-decker makes its way south on A1A after winning the Stanley Cup during the parade in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Carl Juste cjuste@miamiherald.com
Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk interacts with fans during the Florida Panthers victory parade before the Stanley Cup victory parade at Fort Lauderdale Beach on Tuesday, June 30, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale. 
Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk interacts with fans during the Florida Panthers victory parade before the Stanley Cup victory parade at Fort Lauderdale Beach on Tuesday, June 30, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale.  Carl Juste cjuste@miamiherald.com
Florida Panthers fans cheer during the Florida Panthers Stanley Cup Victory parade on Sunday, June 30, 2024 down Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Florida Panthers fans cheer during the Florida Panthers Stanley Cup Victory parade on Sunday, June 30, 2024 down Fort Lauderdale Beach. Alie Skowronski askowronski@miamiherald.com
The rain didn’t stop the Panther’s championship celebration as hypes the rain-soaked fans as the double-decker makes its way south on A1A after winning the Stanley Cup during the parade in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, June 30, 2024.
The rain didn’t stop the Panther’s championship celebration as hypes the rain-soaked fans as the double-decker makes its way south on A1A after winning the Stanley Cup during the parade in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Carl Juste cjuste@miamiherald.com
Florida Panthers fans cheer as their team make their way toward the stage during a victory parade at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park off A1A on Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The parade was held to celebrate the Florida Panthers after they defeated the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Florida Panthers fans cheer as their team make their way toward the stage during a victory parade at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park off A1A on Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The parade was held to celebrate the Florida Panthers after they defeated the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. MATIAS J. OCNER mocner@miamiherald.com
The rain didn’t stop Panthers fans as they cheers during the Stanley Cup victory parade at Fort Lauderdale Beach on Tuesday, June 30, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale. 
The rain didn’t stop Panthers fans as they cheers during the Stanley Cup victory parade at Fort Lauderdale Beach on Tuesday, June 30, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale.  Al Diaz adiaz@miamiherald.com
Panthers fans pack the Elbo Room, a local favorite spot of some Panther players, as they cheer on the raising of the American flag on the parade route for the celebration of the Florida Panthers’ Stanley Cup win in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, June 30, 2024.
Panthers fans pack the Elbo Room, a local favorite spot of some Panther players, as they cheer on the raising of the American flag on the parade route for the celebration of the Florida Panthers’ Stanley Cup win in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Carl Juste cjuste@miamiherald.com
Panthers fans celebrate during the Florida Panthers Stanley Cup victory parade along A1A in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Sunday, June 30, 2024.
Panthers fans celebrate during the Florida Panthers Stanley Cup victory parade along A1A in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Sunday, June 30, 2024. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Florida Panthers fans react as a team bus makes it way down A1A during a Stanley Cup victory parade at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park on Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The parade was held to celebrate the Florida Panthers after they defeated the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Florida Panthers fans react as a team bus makes it way down A1A during a Stanley Cup victory parade at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park on Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The parade was held to celebrate the Florida Panthers after they defeated the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. MATIAS J. OCNER mocner@miamiherald.com
The rain does not stop Panthers fans as they line up A1A to watch celebration of the Stanley Cup win in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, June 30, 2024.
The rain does not stop Panthers fans as they line up A1A to watch celebration of the Stanley Cup win in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Carl Juste cjuste@miamiherald.com
Florida Panthers fans cheer during a Stanley Cup victory parade at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park off A1A on Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The parade was held to celebrate the Florida Panthers after they defeated the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Florida Panthers fans cheer during a Stanley Cup victory parade at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park off A1A on Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The parade was held to celebrate the Florida Panthers after they defeated the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. MATIAS J. OCNER mocner@miamiherald.com
Fort Lauderdale resident Yvette Queda, 59, left, and Roxanne Sshnider, 52, of West Palm Beach, right, join Panthers fan on the parade route on A1A and Las Olas to watch celebration of the Stanley Cup win in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, June 30, 2024.
Fort Lauderdale resident Yvette Queda, 59, left, and Roxanne Sshnider, 52, of West Palm Beach, right, join Panthers fan on the parade route on A1A and Las Olas to watch celebration of the Stanley Cup win in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Carl Juste cjuste@miamiherald.com
A Florida Panthers fan Kenny Shane, left, who got here from from Stuart at 3:30 and was the first one here, cheers outside of Elbo room “slept in my Jeep in the garage” before the Stanley Cup victory parade at Fort Lauderdale Beach on Tuesday, June 30, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale. 
A Florida Panthers fan Kenny Shane, left, who got here from from Stuart at 3:30 and was the first one here, cheers outside of Elbo room “slept in my Jeep in the garage” before the Stanley Cup victory parade at Fort Lauderdale Beach on Tuesday, June 30, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale.  Alie Skowronski askowronski@miamiherald.com
Panthers fans celebrate during the Florida Panthers Stanley Cup victory parade along A1A in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Sunday, June 30, 2024.
Panthers fans celebrate during the Florida Panthers Stanley Cup victory parade along A1A in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Sunday, June 30, 2024. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Championship celebration during the Florida Panthers Stanley Cup victory parade along A1A in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Sunday, June 30, 2024.
Championship celebration during the Florida Panthers Stanley Cup victory parade along A1A in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Sunday, June 30, 2024. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
The rain didn’t stop Panthers fans as they huddled under shelter before the Stanley Cup victory parade at Fort Lauderdale Beach on Tuesday, June 30, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale. 
The rain didn’t stop Panthers fans as they huddled under shelter before the Stanley Cup victory parade at Fort Lauderdale Beach on Tuesday, June 30, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale.  Carl Juste cjuste@miamiherald.com

This story was originally published June 30, 2024 at 1:57 PM.

Sports Pass is your ticket to Miami sports
#ReadLocal

Get in-depth, sideline coverage of Miami area sports - only $1 a month

VIEW OFFER