NHL Stanley Cup champion Matthew Tkachuk swarmed by fans at meet and greet
The victory lap keeps going with NHL Stanley Cup champion Matthew Tkachuk. The Florida Panthers forward hosted a meet and greet at Raising Cane’s in Pompano Beach on Wednesday.
Tkachuk had the chance to serve some fans in the drive-thru and the restaurant.
“Raising Cane’s is the chicken for champs,” Tkachuk says.
Fans lined up as early as 6 a.m. to be served by the newest champ.
“I’ve been a Panthers fan since I was born. I watched their playoffs games when I was in the hospital,” Stephano Paz said.
Paz, from Sunrise, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy since he was 3. He shares that players such as Tkachuk inspire him to persevere.
“Tkachuk’s my favorite player. I have his jersey, I have him on my shirt, and today was really exciting,” Paz said.
The Panthers star kept himself very busy during his honorary shift as Raising Cane’s, with activities such as serving food to customers, signing jerseys, hats and shirts, as well as hearing the roars of ecstatic fans.
“This is a dream come true! Best day of my life,” says Nicole, who got served by Tkachuk at the Raising Cane’s drive thru.
Nicole was accompanied by her two best friends, Tori and Geraldine.
Some of Tkachuk’s biggest fans came out to support the big win for not only the Florida Panthers, but all of South Florida. Children who play hockey shared what the moment meant for them.
“I was watching the final game from home and I was screaming my head off,” says Tyler Jordan, a 13 year old hockey player from Pompano Beach.
Jordan and his friends Ryland and Keegan Anton all play hockey. All 3 prospects were pumped to be present for the occasion.
“Tkachuk and all the players have been my idol for a long time. I feel like their entire collaborative teamwork makes them stand out as a team,” states Keegan Anton.
If there’s one thing the Florida Panthers’ and Panther Nation have in common, it’s they are dedicated to the game. With reigning champion Matthew Tkachuk celebrating with his fans, he not only is building a legacy as a NHL player, but as someone that gives South Florida hope.
“South Florida has done so much for me in 2 years of being here, and I want to leave hockey in a better place than I came,” Tkachuk states.
