The Florida Panthers, established in Miami in 1993, quickly gained popularity, notably creating a unique tradition of throwing rubber rats onto the ice after goals. This quirky celebration stemmed from a player’s encounter with a live rat in the locker room. The Panthers made history by reaching the Stanley Cup Final in 1996 while at Miami Arena before moving to the newer Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise in 1998, leaving behind the iconic Miami venue and memories of their early triumphs.
The rats hit the ice for the first time in 1995 when a player noticed a live rat, which led to fans tossing rubber rats onto the ice.
The Panthers reached the Stanley Cup Final during the 1996 season while playing at Miami Arena, marking a significant achievement in the franchise's early years.
In 1998, the Panthers moved to Sunrise arena, now called Amerant Bank Arena, leaving Miami Arena behind and starting a new chapter in their history.
The pink birthday cake that marked Miami Arena's unique exterior is now just a memory as the Panthers have relocated and evolved since their inception.
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