Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
December 10 always carries a little extra meaning in Pantherland because it marks the day South Florida officially joined the NHL conversation.
Back in 1992, the league announced that an expansion franchise was coming to the region, planting hockey roots in a place few believed would embrace the sport. Months later the name followed, the Florida Panthers, a nod to the endangered animal and a symbol of local pride. That moment set everything in motion, from the early playoff runs to the modern era of back-to-back Stanley Cups.
Seeing the anniversary resurface today feels especially timely. The current season has been messy and bruising, but acknowledging the origin reminds everyone how far the franchise has traveled. What started as a bold experiment has grown into a passionate, trophy-winning hockey market that carved its own identity against all odds.
Here is the commemorative post shared this morning:
Florida Panthers history continues to shape their identity
As a fan, I love this reminder because the Panthers' story has always been about defying expectations. From the 1996 rat-fueled run to the core that lifted two Cups, the franchise's heartbeat has been persistence.
The expansion announcement also helped build one of the league's most unique fan cultures. South Florida blended tropical flair with hockey tradition, and over the years that identity has evolved into something unmistakably Panthers, loud crowds, flying rats, and a connection between team and community that feels deeper than ever.
Today's team carries that legacy, even through adversity. Injuries and inconsistency have stalled momentum this year, but the franchise that clawed its way through decades of ups and downs is built to withstand stretches like this. Remembering 1992 is a reminder of resilience, not nostalgia.
The Panthers have traveled from expansion afterthought to legitimate NHL powerhouse. This anniversary anchors that journey, showing how every chapter, easy or difficult, shapes the next.