Six years have passed since the tragic mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, which claimed the lives of 14 students and three faculty members. This event continues to deeply affect the community, including the Florida Panthers hockey team, whose training facility is located just four miles from the school. Several players and coaches, including goalie Roberto Luongo, have personal connections to Parkland, making the tragedy even more poignant for the team.
Aaron Ekblad and Sasha Barkov are the only remaining players from the Panthers’ 2017-18 team, and they, along with Luongo, emphasize the importance of remembering the lives lost and supporting the affected families. The Panthers have made it a tradition to honor the victims and show their support through various events and gestures, both on and off the ice.
On the sixth anniversary of the tragedy, the Panthers are away from home, but they have planned special tributes and memorials in South Florida. Before a recent game against the Colorado Avalanche, the team honored retired Lieutenant Colonel Mark Anders from the Marjory Stoneman Douglas JROTC Program, and the JROTC presented the colors. Additionally, flowers will be laid at the permanent MSD memorial case at Amerant Bank Arena to remember those who lost their lives.
The Panthers also contribute to community initiatives, such as providing a grant to Make Our Schools Safe, which included distributing bulletproof backpacks with game tickets. They also recently packed food for families in need within Broward County Public Schools, and they will deliver the food to local middle schools.
Six years ago, the Panthers played a game in Vancouver on the day of the shooting and won 4-3. Captain Derek MacKenzie expressed the team’s sadness and desire to support their community, even though they were away from home. The Panthers returned to Florida, and Luongo, a Parkland resident, gave an emotional speech during the first home game after the tragedy. He spoke about his love for Parkland, the impact of the shooting on his family, and the bravery of the students and teachers at Stoneman Douglas.
Luongo’s speech was remembered when the Panthers retired his jersey number in 2020. Owner Vinnie Viola praised Luongo’s words for bringing comfort and hope to South Florida and the nation. In 2022, Nikolas Cruz, the perpetrator of the shooting, pleaded guilty to multiple charges and was sentenced to life in prison.
The Panthers’ ongoing support and remembrance of the Parkland shooting victims reflect their commitment to their community and the values of compassion and solidarity.
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