SUNRISE, Fla. – In a heartwarming blast from the past, lifelong Florida Panthers fan Jim Stegall found himself transported back to a monumental moment in the team’s history.
As he reminisced about the electrifying atmosphere outside the old Miami Arena, where fans eagerly awaited the doors to open for the Panthers’ first Stanley Cup appearance in 1996, Stegall said his excitement was hard to contain.
“It was incredible,” Stegall told Local 10 Thursday. “I remember sitting on those steps, just waiting for those doors to swing open. We were all buzzing with anticipation.”
Recently, a vintage video shared by Local 10′s Vintage Florida captured the fervor of that unforgettable day.
For Stegall and countless other fans, seeing themselves in the video reignited the same adrenaline-fueled emotions they experienced nearly three decades ago.
“When I saw the video, it was like being transported back in time,” he said smiling. “There I was, right in the midst of it all. It was surreal.”
Back then, the Panthers were still in their infancy, just three years into their journey as a franchise. Yet, the energy of their supporters, known for their iconic “rat toss” tradition, knew no bounds.
“It was our first taste of success, our moment to shine,” said Stegall. “The energy in that arena was unlike anything I’d ever felt before.”
Now, as the Panthers continue to make waves in the NHL and make their back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearance, Stegall and fellow Panthers fans find themselves caught up in a whirlwind of memories.
“It’s amazing how something as simple as a video clip can transport you back to such a significant moment in time,” he said. “It’s like reliving history all over again.”
As the Panthers forge ahead, their loyal fan base remains steadfast, their passion undiminished by the passage of time. And for Stegall and others like him, every glimpse of the past is a reminder of the enduring magic of hockey and the bonds that unite fans across generations.
“It’s more than just a game,” Stegall added. “It’s a shared experience, a part of who we are. And no matter where life takes us, those memories will always hold a special place in our hearts.”
Game 1 is set for Saturday night at Amerant Bank Arena against the Edmonton Oilers.