Panther for a Day

Florida Panthers Account Executive Practices with Team

by Nathalie Sczublewski

Published in Panthers Press Employee Newsletter on March 3, 2016

The Florida Panthers practiced at the Panthers IceDen on Friday, Feb. 5, before taking on the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday, Feb. 6. Players skated around the ice and took a few practice shots into an empty net as the sound of skates scraping on the ice filled the rink. Panthers goaltender Al Montoya was down on the opposite end of the rink and goaltender Roberto Luongo was given the day off.

Bobby Segin, an Account Executive with the Panthers, stepped onto the ice in his goaltending gear. Panthers forwards Reilly Smith and Jaromir Jagr sped past him. Segin was given the opportunity by Panthers goaltending coach Robb Tallas, to practice with the team for the day.

The whistle blew and Segin skated toward center ice to take a knee with the players.

Getting to Know Tom Rowe

by Nathalie Sczublewski

Published to Panthers Press Employee Newsletter on February 1, 2016

Tom Rowe joined the Florida Panthers last month as Associate General Manager. The Lynn, Mass. native will work alongside General Manager Dale Tallon, Executive Chairman Peter Luukko and Portland Pirates General Manager Eric Joyce, in hockey operations, scouting and player development. Rowe’s passion for hockey developed at a young age.

Stepping Into His Father’s Skates

Panthers prospect Wilkie follows his father’s path to the NHL

by Nathalie Sczublewski

Published to FloridaPanthers.com on July 20, 2015

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Christopher Wilkie at Florida Panthers IceDen. Photo by: Nathalie Sczublewski

As he sat in his friend’s house in Minnesota watching the 2015 NHL Draft on his laptop, Christopher Wilkie received a phone call from a Florida number. He answered and was informed that he was drafted in the sixth round by the Florida Panthers. The moment was a dream come true for the 18-year-old Omaha, Neb. native.

“I was watching the Draft on my computer when I got the call,” said Wilkie. “It was very exciting.”

Wilkie began playing hockey by age three with the guidance of his father David, who played in the NHL for the Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Rangers.

2015 Draft a ‘Dream’ for Panthers Prospect Schemitsch

Guidance from family, Owen Sound organization important in Schemitsch’s development

Originally published to FloridaPanthers.com on July 13, 2015

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Photo by Nathalie Sczublewski

At 18-years-old, Schemitsch and his family packed their bags and booked a flight to Fort Lauderdale, Fla. for the 2015 NHL Draft. He sat with his family at BB&T Center, eagerly waiting for his name to be called on Saturday, June 27. Finally, in the third round (88th overall), Schemitsch heard his name and he pulled the Florida Panthers sweater over his head.

“It was a dream come true,” he said with a smile. “I couldn’t believe it when I got called.”

Know Your Cats: Aaron Ekblad

Panthers rookie completes 50 NHL games, continues to exceed expectations

Originally published in FloridaPanthers.com on February 7, 2015

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The Ekblad brothers raced down the stairs to their basement and set up a shooting range in the corner. The older brother Darien strapped on his goaltending gear and stopped his little brother’s shots for hours.

“We had a blocker and a stick; sometimes we played with no shoes on. I remember breaking my brother’s foot one time,” Aaron Ekblad chuckled, as he shook his head. “It was pretty fun and we enjoyed it! We were always competitive and always pushed each other.”

Drafted first overall by Florida in 2014, Ekblad has just completed his 50th NHL game and has proved a difference maker for the young Panthers roster.Panthers rookie defenseman Ekblad grew up in the small town of Belle River, Ontario, Canada with his parents and older brother.

Know Your Cats: Willie Mitchell

Panthers Captain brings two rings and a wealth of experience to team

Originally published in FloridaPanthers.com on December 2, 2014 

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via Florida Panthers

Hockey has always been in Willie Mitchell’s blood. Raised in a hockey household and growing up in Port McNeill, British Columbia, Canada, it was only natural for this Panthers defenseman to play the game.

Hockey Fights Cancer hits home for Gudbranson

Gudbranson a strong supporter of Hockey Fights Cancer and Movember

Originally published in FloridaPanthers.com on November 14, 2014

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via Getty/Florida Panthers

Tonight, the Florida Panthers will host Hockey Fights Cancer Night when they take on the New York Islanders at BB&T Center. The cause hits home for Panthers defenseman, Erik Gudbranson. Gudbranson’s little brother Dennis, is a cancer survivor.