The Florida Panthers’ past and present became one before the franchise kicked off the home opener of its 25th anniversary season on Thursday.
One by one, 14 players from the inaugural 1993-94 team walked a red carpet to center ice, forming a circle around the ceremonial anniversary emblem in the middle of the BB&T center rink.
They wore their red home jerseys. Brian Skrudland had the captain “C” on his left chest, just like he did back in the day.
“This is where it all started,” Rob Niedermayer, the Panthers’ first-ever draft pick, said earlier at a pre-game party where he reflected on history 25 years in the making with teammates from that inaugural season.