Dear Fans, Family, and the Whole “Cats” Community of the Florida Panthers,
I am overcome with emotion and thankfulness when I pause to consider my experience with this amazing organization. For me, hockey has always been a vocation, a passion, and a way of life rather than just a sport. However, the people, relationships, and sense of community that accompany the game are what really set it apart. And that’s just what I found in Florida: a family, a home, and a welcoming community.
I knew I was joining a team that was full of pride, heart, and an unwavering belief in who they were when I first joined the Florida Panthers. I had no idea at the time how much this chapter would influence me as a man and as a player. Every experience, from the locker room to the thunderous intensity of Amerant Bank Arena, has taught us the value of teamwork, tenacity, and the joy of playing for a cause bigger than ourselves.
I want to express my gratitude to my teammates for the brotherhood we have developed, for every fight we have shared, for every laugh we have shared, and for every drop of sweat we have lost in the fight for triumph. You have all shown me a great deal of faith, which is essential in the game of hockey. On and off the rink, you’ve inspired me to improve every day.
Please know that the Panthers’ spirit will always be a part of my heart as I look forward to what lies ahead. The connections, the triumphs, and the memories will always be a part of me.
With thanks, pride, and love,
Brad Marchand
right winger —Florida Panthers