The Stanley Cup Final is one of the most anticipated events in sports, and this year’s matchup between the Florida Panthers and the Vegas Golden Knights has been no exception. But what many may not know is that the two teams are connected by a tragic event: gun violence.
On June 12, 2016, a mass shooting occurred at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, killing 49 people and injuring 53. The tragedy hit close to home for the Panthers organization, as the team was based in Orlando at the time. The team held a moment of silence during their next game in honor of the victims and their families.
The Vegas Golden Knights were also affected by gun violence, as the team was just beginning its inaugural season when a mass shooting occurred in Las Vegas on October 1, 2017. The shooting left 58 people dead and 851 injured, making it the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. The Golden Knights organization responded by donating $300,000 to the victims and their families.
The Panthers and Golden Knights have both been affected by gun violence in different ways, but they have both shown that they are committed to helping those affected by these tragedies. As the teams face off in the Stanley Cup Final, it is important to remember that they are connected by a shared experience of tragedy and resilience.
