Florida Panthers Stanley Cup serves as a celebration of family and hockey in South Florida

SUNRISE, Florida – Roughly an hour after the final buzzer went, after players tossed gear and fans tossed rats celebrating the new Stanley Cup champions, the lower bowl was still filled at Amerant Bank Arena.

Parents hoisted kids up against the glass to get a better look as the Florida Panthers celebrated a 2-1 Game 7 victory. There was even a dog named Brodie enjoying the celebration.

And this celebration was defined by points and smiles.

Panthers players and staff picked out familiar faces who were celebrating in the lower bowl, connecting the celebration on the ice to the one in the seats.

Panthers broadcaster Randy Moller has been a franchise fixture for 29 years. He stood near centre ice and just soaked it all in.

“I remember when we used to have six or 7,000 people in the stands, all thos