Me & Stanley C. Panther Cheering on OUR Florida Panthers!

The score of the January 17, 2024 Florida Panthers home game wasn't what I was hoping for: Our 2nd consecutive overtime loss as my Cats fell 2-3 against the Detroit Red Wings after quite some questionable ref calls. But that's unimportant, because... I GOT REUNITED WITH OUR MASCOT, STANLEY C. PANTHER!
My strategy of changing my seat on short notice down to Row 2 in Section 125, right on one of the corner aisles next to an access tunnel worked out! Already during 1st intermission's on-ice activities, Stanley had noticed me through the glass and gestured accordingly, pointing to his eyes "I see you!" and "I remember you!" I already thought: "OK, that was cute, he saw me & he remembers me, knows that I'm here because of him!" as during the 2nd period, he was anywhere throughout the arena but near me.
But suddenly during mid-3rd period, he jumped out of the access tunnel and headed straight to me! I was so star-struck and surprised, I hardly knew what to say - but then we did something I'll always, ALWAYS remember for the rest of my life:
With the help of Stanley's drum, we cheered our "Let's Go PANTHERS!" chant. Together! In front of all the fans! What an experience! He then pointed to his "brain" and nodded "I remember you, I know who you are!" and it was indeed Stanley's main performer, who had already provided me with a special moment a year ago during the 2023 NHL Mascot Showdown here in Fort Lauderdale. Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, Stanley proved me wrong and did again something special with me!
This might seem like a little moment for some of you, but for me, it was HUGE, because it serves as a reminder why it was worth for me to fight through my childhood that wasn't always as sunny as the weather here in South Florida.
For those of you who have who haven't learned yet as to why Stanley C. Panther has such a special place in my heart, here's why:
Back in 2006, I came from Switzerland to attend a Panthers game during my Florida vacation - and randomly met Stanley - without even knowing before that a mascot would be present. I had no idea about mascots as mascotting isn’t that big in my country. That random moment of meeting Stanley C. Panther would have a lasting impact on me. I was born with a birth defect called Congenital Varicella Syndrome that has relying me on a feeding tube. Up until 2014, this condition caused me to be bedridden for up to 150 days a year. During this time, after my 1st visit to a Panthers game, I began to research about Stanley C. Panther and mascots in general and found out what they do in the community. Watching Stanley’s heartwarming content that often had him visit little kids in hospitals, do charity work or attend birthday parties, helped me smile during a difficult time of my life. That‘s why he‘s so special to me, that‘s why I‘m so thankful for what he does! Mascotting is a wonderful performance art that can make a positive difference with so many people, who need it most - all without saying one single word but just by being there as a huggable, cuddly animal character.
Special thanks to the two fans (even one from a couple sections away!) for capturing these memories and to Stanley for doing what he does best. I have never been a more proud Florida Panthers fan!
#floridapanthers
Lions are social animals!
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DISCLAIMER:
While this video is family-friendly and safe to watch for everyone, its main target audience are adults. It has therefore been set as "Not for kids" to comply with the COPPA. Should you be unable to leave a comment below, please use my social media outlets listed above.
Thank you!
Yours Cuddly,
Kitwana

[@glamrockfoxy6667]

Florida Panthers is amazing Stanley C Panther is the best

[@kinggoldenfursuitter7309]

Was the game great my friend kitwana?

[@KitwanaLion]

Horrible refs, whose questionable call made us heading short-handed into overtime, where Detroit scored the game winner just a few seconds in. But it was fun, great seat on Row 2, really close to the action. It’s always a privilege for me to be there and cheer on my Panthers.

[@kinggoldenfursuitter7309]

@@KitwanaLion That happens to every nhl team when have horrible refs when their playing in there home town

[@glamrockfoxy6667]

I love Florida Panthers

[@IorekByrnison086]

Hope your team won.

[@KitwanaLion]

Despite me and Stanley cheering really hard, we've lost just mere seconds into overtime, 2-3 as the Red Wings were on a powerplay. We still had fun, though!

[@IorekByrnison086]

@@KitwanaLion Oh no. Sorry your team lost. At least you had fun.