I hope everyone is staying safe and holding up out there.
My mind wanders from what's going on in the world, to work responsibilities and settles on hockey and how I miss the escape it gave us all.
Until things are somewhat back to normal, I was thinking of brining some random blogs your way on a variety of different things related to the Cats.
A good place to start would be with the recent charitable efforts from Bob and the team. I'm sure most of you know, but it should be repeated, four days ago, Sergei Bobrovsky announced he would be donating $100,000 as part of a fund raising effort to help part-time employees of the BB&T Center during the leagues postponement. His teammates chipped in to help match that 100K.
From NHL.com:
"The Florida Panthers goalie, who signed as a free agent July 1, will donate $100,000 to the cause, with other teammates matching that total as a group. Panthers ownership also will contribute to help part-time employees make up for lost wages because of canceled or postponed events at BB&T Center."
[Image from NHL.com]
It's important to note that many other teams in the league, as well as other leagues, have done similar gestures to help out part-time employees.
Very cool to see the effort of everyone coming together in a time like this!
Reilly Smith Heel Turn
Last week, former-Panther Reilly Smith fired a shot at Florida when he made the below comment in regards to the league kicking around the idea of playing with no fans in attendance.
“I played in an empty building for a couple years in Florida so I’m used to it.”
This understandably fired up a lot of Panthers fans.
Personally, I liked it and here's why...
I've always believed in rivalries and heels in pro sports. It's very good for business and always fun. What Smith said (joking or not) is like a guy in a pro wrestling ring that's cutting a promo about how lame the fans/city is that he's in. It's meant to get an emotional response from you, get the blood pumping and fire you up.
From a fan's perspective, I can't wait for the boos the next time Smith is in town. It should be really fun.
From a player's perspective, everyone should have #19 in their crosshairs and kick it up a notch in both the play and chirp department when they meet next.
Here's some Smith highlights from his days in a Panthers sweater.
In the Coming Days/Weeks
As we wait for news on the season, I have a couple ideas up my sleeve for future columns. Hopefully it will help fill our hockey void even a little bit.
Stick with it and be safe out there. We'll have some good Panthers talks coming up!
Florida Panthers Blogger • 
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