The Rat Trick
Fansided

Florida Panthers Stanley C Is A Mascot With A Meaning

By Joey Bailey

Mar 31, 2016; Sunrise, FL, USA; A Florida Panthers mascot celebrates a 3-2 win over the New Jersey Devils as plastic rats cover the ice at BB&T Center. Ten thousand plastic rats were given to fans resulting in the team being penalized twice for delay of game. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2016; Sunrise, FL, USA; A Florida Panthers mascot celebrates a 3-2 win over the New Jersey Devils as plastic rats cover the ice at BB&T Center. Ten thousand plastic rats were given to fans resulting in the team being penalized twice for delay of game. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Back on April 20th, 1993 the Florida Panthers were officially named and brought into the NHL through expansion. A native specie to the state, the big cat was a perfect fit. The mascot would be introduced as Stanley C. Panther in 1993.

Stanley made a name for himself quickly, repelling from the roof of the Miami Arena for home games back in 1993. The tradition still continues today just not as often, he can still be seen standing on seats and railings pumping the fans up.

His home is of course the BB&T Center, where he can’t wait for game days and is always involved in pregame activities with his “sidekick” Viktor E. Rat. A very social cat, he seems to make his rounds quite well throughout games as well, causing some ruckus in every section.

Since 2015, Stanley has participated in the Mascot Games, benefiting New Hope for Kids. This year he will be competing for a third year, after coming up short of the trophy in both of his first tries.

What Is The Mascot Games?

The Mascot Games is a day of fun and excitement for the whole family, as 24 mascots across the MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, ECHL, MLS and NCAA will be divided into four teams as they compete against each other in wild and zany games to determine the true champions of the mascot world.

All proceeds from the Mascot Games Presented by Wawa benefit New Hope for Kids, which provides support to children and families grieving the death of a loved one, and grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses in Central Florida. Since its inception, the event has raised more than $500,000 for New Hope for Kids.

Tickets for the Mascot Games Presented by Wawa are now on sale. General admission tickets start at $12 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.

Next: Florida Panthers Should Protect Reilly Smith From Las Vegas

Here is the link to the Ticketmaster: https://www1.ticketmaster.com/mascot-games-presented-by-wawa-orlando-florida-06-24-2017/event/220052867A8096E5?artistid=1723670&majorcatid=10003&minorcatid=55&tm_link=artist_msg-0_220052867A8096E5

The organization has also been very involved in the conservation of the endangered species. Ever since the beginning, when Wayne Huizenga committed to the Panther Preservation Cause shortly after naming the team.

On a yearly basis they hold Panther Conservation Nights, where ambassadors of the big cat will share some of their knowledge. As well as many ticket proceeds and donations going towards the cause, for the night and also throughout the season.

Home/Panthers News