The Florida Panthers’ marketing and events teams know how to throw a party, and for Military Appreciation Night, they used that energy to honor veterans, service members, and the families who support them in one evening of recognition.
Saluting those who serve 🇺🇸
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) November 11, 2026
Join us for Military Appreciation night on Nov. 12 for pregame ceremonies, military displays on Publix Plaza and a special tribute to a local hero!
From the pregame activities outside Amerant Bank Arena to the tributes inside, the Nov. 12 event welcomed military families before the players finished the evening with a dramatic 5-4 comeback over the Detroit Red Wings after trailing 4-1.
Together, the festivities and the win made the night feel like one celebration of community, linking the pregame tribute to the on-ice finish.
A celebration with a purpose
Held the day after Veterans Day, the event carried that national gratitude into the Panthers’ home arena and set the tone for the evening. Veterans Day, observed annually on Nov. 11, honors everyone who has served in the U.S. armed forces, in wartime and in peace.
The appreciation event gave the community a chance to acknowledge sacrifices and bring military families together.
From the Plaza to the spotlight
Before the game, military families received early access to Pantherland to browse the night’s special merchandise. Themed Panthers apparel and NHL jerseys gave fans a keepsake, while the Florida Panthers Foundation sold mystery-signed pucks to raise funds. Then, the focus shifted inside the arena. The Panthers honored retired U.S. Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient Joe St. John through their “Heroes Among Us” program.
In the team’s tribute, St. John looked beyond his own experience, expressing gratitude to those who served before him and those serving today.
That connection across generations also has a hockey home. Army veteran Scott Sloane played for the Panthers Warriors, a local hockey club for disabled U.S. military veterans.
“When you leave the military, some of us lose that camaraderie,” Sloane told WPTV.
Through the Warriors, veterans can rebuild those connections by working toward a shared goal, relying on teammates, and making friendships with people who understand their experiences.
That night, they joined the Panthers community to cheer for the same team.
The Panthers give the crowd a finish to remember
The home team eventually gave that crowd plenty to cheer about, though the on-ice celebration took longer to arrive.
Florida fell behind 4-1 before Gustav Forsling scored late in the second period, giving the Panthers some relief heading into the intermission. With the deficit reduced to two goals, head coach Paul Maurice urged his players to focus on what they could still change.
“We got 20 minutes, and all we need is one to tilt this thing,” Maurice said afterward, recalling his message before the third period.
Luckily, the Panthers responded with three goals in the final period. Anton Lundell scored the winner late in regulation, completing the 5-4 comeback and securing two points.
As the Cats found their momentum, the arena’s energy helped carry them into the comeback, turning the building into part of the push.
“The crowd got going for us there. They were great,” Maurice said.
Ultimately, fans who had watched their team fall three goals behind celebrated a comeback victory, and the Panthers delivered a statement win on an evening marked by recognition, emotion, momentum, and unity.
A first game that meant even more
For one veteran, the night held extra meaning: he was watching his son experience his first NHL game. He later thanked Grey Team in a social media post for making the outing possible and celebrated the Panthers’ win.
“Proud to be a veteran, proud to be a dad, and proud to support our Florida Panthers!” he wrote.
His words brought the evening’s purpose back to the families in the seats. The tributes offered recognition, the festivities motivated fans, and the game gave them one thrilling memory to take home.
Needless to say, the Panthers know how to put on a show, and on Military Appreciation Night, they made sure the people they were honoring were part of it from start to finish.
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