In a show of cross-sport solidarity, Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel swapped the gridiron for the ice on Saturday, donning a pristine white Florida Panthers jersey to electrify the crowd at Amerant Bank Arena before the highly anticipated Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final.
The atmosphere was electric as McDaniel took center stage in the pregame ceremonies, energetically pounding the drum and leading the packed house in a rousing rendition of “Let’s go Panthers!” The fans, wrapped in a wave of excitement, eagerly joined in, setting the stage for what promised to be an unforgettable night of hockey.
Miami Dolphins’ Mike McDaniel revs up the crowd for the Florida Panthers at the outset of the Stanley Cup Final’s Game 1, showcasing the unity and spirited camaraderie between the city’s sports teams.
As if his passionate rallying cry had directly translated into on-ice success, the Panthers responded in kind, with center Carter Verhaeghe finding the back of the net just four minutes into the contest. They doubled their advantage early in the second period thanks to center Evan Rodrigues, who scored his fourth goal of the playoffs, cementing a 2–0 lead.
This occasion marked the second time McDaniel played the role of hype man at the Amerant Bank Arena. His previous appearance came in May of the last year, during the Panthers’ Game 4 bout against the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final—a game that ended in a thrilling 4–3 victory for the Panthers, propelling them into the 2023 Stanley Cup final.
With the Miami Dolphins’ organized team activities and mandatory minicamp having concluded last week, McDaniel is all in on supporting the Panthers as they chase the ultimate prize in hockey. His presence serves not only as a testament to his own passion for sports but also as a bridge between the diverse athletic pursuits that define Miami’s vibrant community.