A bustling September for the Florida Panthers
The franchise is set to wrap up its longest offseason stretch since 2019 with a series of events that begin later this month. On Saturday, September 19, the team will open its doors at the IcePlex in Fort Lauderdale for a Training Camp Fan Fest, inviting supporters to watch drills, join family‑friendly activities and meet the beloved mascots Stanley C. Panther and Viktor E. Ratt.
The festivities are part of a broader schedule of open practices that the IcePlex makes available year‑round through the FTL War Memorial portal, giving fans continual access to behind‑the‑scenes action.
The preseason officially starts the following day, September 20, when the Panthers travel to face the Carolina Hurricanes. Momentum builds quickly, culminating in the NHL’s Season Opener on September 29 at 5 p.m. on ESPN, again against the Hurricanes.
A week later, on October 10, the club will host its first home game of the 2026‑27 campaign against the Minnesota Wild, tipping off at 6 p.m. on Scripps. The schedule reflects a packed calendar that stretches from mid‑September through early October, underscoring the team’s commitment to community engagement and on‑ice preparation.
Training camp itself kicked off on September 17 in Fort Lauderdale, setting the stage for the upcoming events and marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Panthers as they aim to translate early momentum into a strong regular season.