The Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers have strong Windsor-Essex connections
Aaron Ekblad, Paul Maurice have longtime roots in southwestern Ontario
It was a dream come true for Belle River's Aaron Ekblad.
He and his Florida Panthers won their first Stanley Cup championship after defeating the Edmonton Oilers in a dramatic 2-1 victory in game seven of the NHL playoffs.
Ekblad was ecstatic in his post-game interview.
"Can't get the words out. This is amazing ... This is the best moment of my life so far. Nothing tops it," he said.
The 2014 first overall selection by the Panthers wobbled as he lifted the Cup.
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Ekblad has played more games and scored more points than any other blueliner in franchise history. He won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league's best rookie in the 2014-2015 season.
Ekblad's parents proudly watched their son last night from inside Amerant Bank Arena in Florida.
Dave and Lisa sit in roughly the same spot, a few rows behind the players bench, for every home game.
They told CBC Radio's Windsor Morning host Amy Dodge they never thought he'd win a title when Aaron was growing up playing sports like soccer.
"You always enjoy watching your kids, whatever they play," Dave said. "We're just lucky enough to have been able to do it a little longer than other people."
Dave and Lisa got to hoist the cup, take pictures and walk on the ice after the game.
"It was quite the night," Dave recalled and son Aaron was overcome with emotion when they spoke to him after the game.
Roller Coaster of Emotions
Lisa described the series as an "emotional roller coaster."
The Panthers won the first three games of the Stanley Cup Finals before the Oilers almost completed an epic comeback, roaring back to win three consecutive games.
Lisa says she felt confident walking into the arena for the final game.
"The last 10 minutes felt like it took forever," Dave explained.
The Panthers also made it to the 2023 Stanley Cup Finals, where they lost to the Las Vegas Golden Knights.
"We didn't want him to be disappointed again, of course. But we're so proud of him," Lisa said.
It's an unofficial NHL tradition for each player on the championship team to get a private day with the Cup during the off-season. Players typically bring the Cup back to their hometown, sometimes accompanied by a parade, and always by at least one representative from the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Lisa says she's looking forward to having the Cup in Lakeshore.
"This win is for everybody."
LaSalle shout-out
Florida's head coach Paul Maurice also has strong ties to the Windsor-area.
Maurice began his coaching career with the Windsor Spitfires in 1988 after playing for the team for a few years. He moved to coaching after a serious eye injury forced him to reconsider his playing career.
It's also where he met his wife and has family and friends.
Maurice gave a big shout out to his loved ones in Sault Ste. Marie, Waterloo and in Windsor-Essex during an on-ice post-game interview.
"The whole Langlois clan in LaSalle, Ontario … all of the people that suffered through 30 years of me losing, making excuses. Mom and dad especially. Hey dad your name is going up with your heroes. Béliveau, Richard, Howe, Lindsay … Maurice," he said.
"I've never hugged so many sweaty men in my entire life … It's not what I thought it would be — it's so much better," Maurice joked.