I'm new

[icy1king]

Hi guys,

If you red my other posts, you probably know that im new to hockey and am still locking for "my" team.

In the last weaks, i'm really starting to like the Panthers.

Now a couple questions came up that I would like to ask.

1. I heard that the franchise is not in so sound financial shape, is that true and could that be a problem?

2. How is the fanbase doing? Do you think this team will stay in Miami and build some roots? Or are making good weather, beaches etc. it just too tough?

3. What is there to know about the team if you becoming an fan? Im starting to getting to know the players and already found out, that there are a lot of young talented players.


Thanks a lot!

P.S. English is not my first langauge that's why my my english ain't the best.

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[IceManCat]

Hi guys,

If you red my other posts, you probably know that im new to hockey and am still locking for "my" team.

In the last weaks, i'm really starting to like the Panthers.

Now a couple questions came up that I would like to ask.

1. I heard that the franchise is not in so sound financial shape, is that true and could that be a problem?

2. How is the fanbase doing? Do you think this team will stay in Miami and build some roots? Or are making good weather, beaches etc. it just too tough?

3. What is there to know about the team if you becoming an fan? Im starting to getting to know the players and already found out, that there are a lot of young talented players.


Thanks a lot!

P.S. English is not my first langauge that's why my my english ain't the best.

1.) I don't think anyone has any idea how the finances are. Reports are contrary to each other and it would be impossible to determine the truth at this time.

2.) We don't play in Miami, we play in Broward County. The fan base is small but strong IMO, it seems like we outdraw the Marlins so perhaps that may be a good thing.

3.) If your going to be a fan of this team prepare for headaches and criticism from other fans. The pros - no one will consider you a bandwagoner. The rebuild is almost over so we will hopefully be competitive soon and you wont have to deal with the hardships of previous years. I think its always cool to watch a young team grow if they become successful, its nice knowing that we are not like the Yankees and buy every free agent possible. This makes the team feel more like a "team".

 

[icy1king]

1.) I don't think anyone has any idea how the finances are. Reports are contrary to each other and it would be impossible to determine the truth at this time.

2.) We don't play in Miami, we play in Broward County. The fan base is small but strong IMO, it seems like we outdraw the Marlins so perhaps that may be a good thing.

3.) If your going to be a fan of this team prepare for headaches and criticism from other fans. The pros - no one will consider you a bandwagoner. The rebuild is almost over so we will hopefully be competitive soon and you wont have to deal with the hardships of previous years. I think its always cool to watch a young team grow if they become successful, its nice knowing that we are not like the Yankees and buy every free agent possible. This makes the team feel more like a "team".

Hi IceManCat, thanks for your answer.

If your going to be a fan of this team prepare for headaches and criticism from other fans.

I guess you mean because of all this "you guys don't even really support a team you don't deserve a team" or "canada should have another team not you guys" etc. right?

 

[ShootIt]

1.) I don't think anyone has any idea how the finances are. Reports are contrary to each other and it would be impossible to determine the truth at this time.

2.) We don't play in Miami, we play in Broward County. The fan base is small but strong IMO, it seems like we outdraw the Marlins so perhaps that may be a good thing.

3.) If your going to be a fan of this team prepare for headaches and criticism from other fans. The pros - no one will consider you a bandwagoner. The rebuild is almost over so we will hopefully be competitive soon and you wont have to deal with the hardships of previous years. I think its always cool to watch a young team grow if they become successful, its nice knowing that we are not like the Yankees and buy every free agent possible. This makes the team feel more like a "team".

1. I agree. No one here knows, or will admit publicly, how the books really look like.
I wouldn't be shocked if the numbers reported to the press are not entirely truthful.

2. Yup. I wish they would of built the BB&T center in Boca... They play in a random(to me anyways) location. At least the traffic isn't too bad, like it would of been in Miami.

3. Expect to be letdown a lot. Learn to have low expectations so you're never disappointed.

 

[Egblad]

All I have to say is that we're an emotionally abused bunch here, but that's just the way it is. If you can handle that, maybe you've found your team.

 

[iam76]

But we got a really sweeeet logo that doesn't fit on anything.. It still is awesome thought.. Just like us

 

[Haj]

Hi guys,

If you red my other posts, you probably know that im new to hockey and am still locking for "my" team.

In the last weaks, i'm really starting to like the Panthers.

Now a couple questions came up that I would like to ask.

1. I heard that the franchise is not in so sound financial shape, is that true and could that be a problem?

2. How is the fanbase doing? Do you think this team will stay in Miami and build some roots? Or are making good weather, beaches etc. it just too tough?

3. What is there to know about the team if you becoming an fan? Im starting to getting to know the players and already found out, that there are a lot of young talented players.


Thanks a lot!

P.S. English is not my first langauge that's why my my english ain't the best.

Welcome to the fold.

1. No one knows the financial shape of the franchise. Someone with more knowledge can correct me if I am wrong, but I believe the team is owned by an umbrella corporation called Sunrise Sports and Entertainment (SSE), which owns the arena and the land around the arena. SSE is able to use accounting practices so that revenue from parking, concessions, is on SSE's balance sheet, not the Florida Panthers. SSE also makes revenue from the other events at the BAC. Its rumored that SSE will at some point attempt to build a casino near the arena.

As far as the financial situation of the owners, no one knows how much Viola will spend on the roster, management, scouting, and the San Antonio Rampage until we see who he signs, which coach we hire.

2. Fan base is small but passionate. The team draws well when you consider the fact the Panthers have been bad for all but 1 of the past 14 years. The team has gone through many years of horrid management, which finally changed when Tallon was hired. I still remain skeptical when comes to believing that we will become a perennial playoff team, but one thing is for sure: There is more talent in the pipeline than there ever has been.

3. The biggest thing to learn about the team is the 1996 cup run, the story of Scott Melanby killing a rat in the Miami Arena...then scoring two goals. Next would be the Pavel Bure era, where the team made the playoffs once. Then probably the Roberto Luongo saga (made two amazing trades to acuire him and re-acquire him), how Bouwmeester was run out town.

 

[ucanthanzalthetruth]

Hi guys,

If you red my other posts, you probably know that im new to hockey and am still locking for "my" team.

In the last weaks, i'm really starting to like the Panthers.

Now a couple questions came up that I would like to ask.

1. I heard that the franchise is not in so sound financial shape, is that true and could that be a problem?

2. How is the fanbase doing? Do you think this team will stay in Miami and build some roots? Or are making good weather, beaches etc. it just too tough?

3. What is there to know about the team if you becoming an fan? Im starting to getting to know the players and already found out, that there are a lot of young talented players.


Thanks a lot!

P.S. English is not my first langauge that's why my my english ain't the best.

1. No one knows the books, but with the recent mass firings and a new owner immediately asking for more money, I'd say yes it's true. Now as for if it's a problem (team wise) the low attendance and cheap ownership has always prevented the team from getting top tier free agents (won't spend on players). We have a new owner. Is he going to be different? Too early to tell, I wouldn't be surprised if he isn't though.


2. Florida is notoriously fair weathered and in almost all Southern markets, you don't win, you don't draw. If the team is good, people will watch. Look at highlights from 2012 playoffs. Madness. Will the team stay in Broward County? Well things don't look great, but they aren't in Coyote territory yet, so I'd say they're safe. We'll know if things really go downhill, they haven't yet.


3. What is there to know about our team? Well I'll be honest, we're usually awful and it's pretty well known. Be prepared to never read opposing teams GDTs, or you won't last long here. That being said, there is an exciting young core coming up that should have the team back into respectability within the next 3-5 years. Barkov and Bjugstud are 2 can't miss players to watch for next year, Huberdeau as well if he's healthy.

 

[SoupyFIN]

All I have to say is that we're an emotionally abused bunch here, but that's just the way it is. If you can handle that, maybe you've found your team.

TL;DR

Leave while you still can.

 

[icy1king]

TL;DR

Leave while you still can.

I know this is not too serious but i want to pick up on that anyway. Is that a valid point in general?
I mean, this is not MLB where there is no salary cup and where only big teams dominate.
What I mean: What does the past show? It showes the Panthers had bad luck and bad management but that does not mean this will stay the same.

The only down think I could see is that Florida is not a hockey-place and big free agends could choose a nother city over Florida.
But then, you have great weather so that is also not a real negative point.

 

[batting1k]

I know this is not too serious but i want to pick up on that anyway. Is that a valid point in general?
I mean, this is not MLB where there is no salary cup and where only big teams dominate.
What I mean: What does the past show? It showes the Panthers had bad luck and bad management but that does not mean this will stay the same.

The only down think I could see is that Florida is not a hockey-place and big free agends could choose a nother city over Florida.
But then, you have great weather so that is also not a real negative point.

I think the future is bright, in my opinion. We've got an owner who has stated many times that he is committed to winning and using all of the resources it takes to do so, a GM with brains who knows how to make good trades, signings, and draft picks, a good young core such as Barkov, Bjugstad, Huberdeau, and Trocheck (among others), good young prospects in the pipeline like Kyle Rau, Rocco Grimaldi, Mackenzie Weegar, Ian McCoshen, Mike Matheson, and Sam Brittain (among others), a new head coach coming in shortly (likely Dan Bylsma), and a first overall pick this year which we can either trade for assets or pick a high-potential player.

Sure, people may rag on us and this team, but we've got a lot going for us, especially now, beginning with the draft in two weeks. Of course we can't really say how committed the owners really are and right now it's all talk till they make a move, but they seem serious and I feel confident in the direction of the franchise. It's certainly an exciting time to be a Panthers fan.

 

[FlaPnthrsPunk]

If you're going to be a Panthers fan, now is the time in my opinion to jump on. As others have said, we don't know the exact financial situation of the team. While management has said they want to spend a ton this offseason and want a competitive team on the ice in the near future, we've all been through the "heard it before" stage. It's nice to hear, but I think we're all waiting for them to follow up to their statement. However, I have the feeling to trust them in some way and do believe we're on the verge for great things to come for quite some time. They did bring in Luongo to secure the goaltending issue for at least a few more years and did basically force Michael Yormark to quit as he was arguably hurting the franchise with his gimmicks that pertained more to getting people into the arena for any event whether it was positive for Panthers fans or not. We also have a great prospect pool that is growing in my opinion to be better than I had thought originally.

We don't have a large fanbase, but definitely a very dedicated one and are as knowledgeable about the team and sport as anyone. Most people on this board are part of the diehard group that go to many games and follow the team religiously. South Florida itself obviously is not a traditional hockey market but as I look back over the last fourteen years with only one winning season, I'm surprised how well on average we drew in attendance. Like every other team down here, when they win, the casual fans will come out in droves. Just watch videos from 1996 or really any time during the playoffs. A weak crowd in a game against say the Coyotes can become insane when everyone and their mother show up during the playoffs.

We're always going to get flack from Canadians and northern markets for being a non-traditional market. Hearing relocation rumors are always going to happen, but you just have to learn to ignore those morons because at this point, it's quite far from happening. We're a very nice and respectable fanbase and would be glad if you came aboard!

 

[JP Mick]

But we got a really sweeeet logo that doesn't fit on anything.. It still is awesome thought.. Just like us

Sure it does!

 

[StrangeVision]

Do you like the Florida Panthers?

If the answer is yes, then root for the Florida Panthers.

If the answer is no, then do not root for the Florida Panthers.

 

[Gordonx11]

If you do end up joining the crew expect a lot of ranting and depressing posts. However with that being said if you want to stay optimistic you can join me....party of 1

 

[MillarWithASave]

When we are doing good everyone has the optimism we will be the best team and win the Cup.

When we are doing bad everyone has the pessimistic attitude that we will never be in the playoffs again, fire Tallon, fire Horachek, fire DeBour, fire Yormark, get Flash off this team he's the worst player in the NHL, and why is Jovo our captain?

 

[RCDeltaFixer]

1. I agree. No one here knows, or will admit publicly, how the books really look like.
I wouldn't be shocked if the numbers reported to the press are not entirely truthful.

2. Yup. I wish they would of built the BB&T center in Boca... They play in a random(to me anyways) location. At least the traffic isn't too bad, like it would of been in Miami.

3. Expect to be letdown a lot. Learn to have low expectations so you're never disappointed.

Your avatar/icon is the PERFECT example for your 3rd point. Double OT Game 7 never forget

 

[Egblad]

Your avatar/icon is the PERFECT example for your 3rd point. Double OT Game 7 never forget

5 hole goal from Adam Henrique low in the slot on Theodore. Somewhere around the 3-5 minute mark of double OT. I remember it as clear as day.

 

[NJ_CATS_FAN]

This team is a bad drug, once you get hooked in, your stuck! As others have mentioned, be prepared for lots and lots of headaches and heartbreaks. Its the Panthers way and we have all been beaten for years and years and years, but they are our Cats!!! Are you sure you want to be a part of this?

 

[Howboutthempanthers]

I guess you mean because of all this "you guys don't even really support a team you don't deserve a team" or "canada should have another team not you guys" etc. right?

Yep.

 

[Big Bjugs]

All I can say, and I speak for myself, is it has been 20yrs of the hands down, bar none, the absolute, 100% worst roller coaster ride of my life.

The love and passion I have for this team(and any other fan here) is unreal. It's like going back to my ex knowing the outcome but constantly taking the **** and abuse day after day, year after year. Its horrible, I hate it and I keep coming back. But this is my team and I love it all no matter how bad(or good...) it will get.

I should also note it was a couple years after the Stanley Cup run wore off, that this roller coaster starteed going down for me.

So ya, get used to rants like that ^^^

Now for you, as negative as it can be around here, you will hear nothing but doom and gloom from 29 other franchise fans and the ones that lost there teams ffs. Basically if you can take it, you will fit in. Simply the greatest hockey fan base(yes small) but very knowledgeable and I think due to lack of success going to our heads has helped, everyone here has a pretty good idea of what this team needs and where this team is headed.

We are on the way up so now is the time to join. I'm just waiting, oh lord waiting and praying to the hockey gods, so much waiting to see if VV will actually let Tallon spend some $$$.

Welcome aboard, maybe.

 

[icy1king]

Thanks a lot for all the answers. That did help a lot already.

What does also interest me is the mentality of Florida. How would you describe it?
I guess it could be somehow like Los Angeles? Kinda laid back?

 

[FlaPnthrsPunk]

Thanks a lot for all the answers. That did help a lot already.

What does also interest me is the mentality of Florida. How would you describe it?
I guess it could be somehow like Los Angeles? Kinda laid back?

I'd describe it more as a mix of the Northeast U.S. and the Caribbean due to pretty everyone is originally from there before coming to South Florida. I personally think it's pretty laid back here, but others may disagree.

 

[JP Mick]

Florida is a weird mix of laid-back and crazy all at the same time, it is definitely not a boring state.

There is a reason why the "Florida Bugs" gif has become popular in comment sections everywhere especially on the Gawker sites.

 

[ucanthanzalthetruth]

Sure it does!

It also goes great on urinal cakes!