Seven Years Later, Panthers Remain Parkland and MSD Strong

It has been seven years since the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, but the ties between that community and the Florida Panthers remain strong. 

As has been the case since the team installed a permanent tribute to the 17 who were killed in the attack, employees at Amerant Bank Arena will all gather today for a moment of silence and reflection.

Flowers will be laid at the base of the tribute, the 17 candles lit.

The team will also take time out throughout the day for other events, and are expected to have representatives at various memorials held throughout the county.

Feb. 14, of course, is Valentine’s Day.

It will always have a different context in South Florida after what happened that afternoon in 2018.

Goalie coach Robb Tallas, as part of his celebratory day with the Stanley Cup, made a point to quietly take it to Stoneman Douglas to share it with faculty, staff, and students there.

The Panthers were especially close to the situation, having spent 20-plus years at the IceDen in Coral Springs about four miles away from the school.

Although many players currently live close to the beach these days, back in the 2000s, many called Coral Springs and Parkland home, including Hall of Fame goalie Roberto Luongo.

“It was obviously a horrible tragedy,’’ Florida defenseman Aaron Ekblad said at this time last year. “Remembering the lives lost is something … it hit very close to home. It is one of those things where remembering the lives, and the families, and keeping them in our thoughts all the time is something very important to our organization. It is great we do those things — and it is continued remembrance, it’s not just one day a year.”

In 2018, the Panthers were three time zones away in Vancouver when the shooting happened as school was dismissed at the Parkland high school.

The team watched news reports throughout the day in stunned silence, then played through their grief.

The Canucks held a moment of silence prior to the start of a game Florida won 4-3.

“It’s a sad day,’’ captain Derek MacKenzie said after the win. “I wish I was there right now to talk to my family and neighbors and everyone that’s obviously been affected by this, but we can’t be there.

“So, the next best thing is to come up with a win.”

The Panthers played a large role in consoling friends and neighbors alike in the weeks to come.

After returning from that road trip on Feb. 22, 2018, Luongo addressed the crowd, giving an emotional speech in which he spoke off script.

Coincidentally, the Panthers’ first game back from their current break is on Feb. 22, and the team is expected to hold its annual night of remembrance then.

“I live in Parkland. I’ve been living there for the past 12 years. My wife was born and raised in that area. My kids go to school in Parkland,’’ Luongo said that night in 2018.

“When I’m done playing hockey, I want to spend the rest of my life in Parkland. I love that city.

“Last week was Valentine’s Day. I was in Vancouver. Obviously, we all know happened. It was hard for me to be on the West Coast and not be able to get back home and protect my family. No child should have to go through that. It’s terrible. It’s time for us as a community to take action. It’s enough. Enough is enough. We got to take action.

“To the families of the victims, our hearts are broken for you guys. There’s not much to say. It’s heartbreaking. You guys are in our thoughts. We’ve been thinking about you every day constantly for the last week. Just to know that we’re there for you if you guys need anything. You’ll be in our prayers. Let’s try and move on together. …

“To the teachers of the school, you guys are heroes protecting your children. Some of them didn’t make it, trying to protect children. That is truly what a hero is. Those people need to be put on a pedestal for the rest of their lives.

“The last thing I want to say is since last Wednesday, I’ve been watching the news and I’ve been seeing what the kids from Stoneman Douglas have been doing. I am very, very proud of you guys. You guys are brave. You guys are an inspiration to all of us. At the end of the day, you guys are what’s giving us hope for the future.

”Thank you.”

• In 2022, Nikolas Cruz pleaded guilty to 17 counts of murder and 17 counts of attempted murder in what is the deadliest mass shooting at a high school in the United States. Cruz was sentenced to life in prison.
• For a list of all of the works the parents and spouses of those who died on Feb. 14, 2018, in the shooting, please visit the Associated Press story here.
• Earlier this month, The official public Memorial to honor the 17
  victims moved one step closer to being constructed with the selection of Artist Gordon Huether’s design.
• You can donate to the Parkland17 Memorial Foundation here.
• Broward County Public Schools will host “A Day of Service and Love” on Friday with students, staff and volunteers will support one another through many service activities at schools across the county.
• Schools throughout South Florida will observe a moment of silence at 10:17 a.m. in honor of the 17 victims.
• 
The city of Parkland will hold a Community Commemoration at 5 p.m. It will be at the Pine Trails Park Amphitheater (10561 Trails End.; Parkland).
• Coral Springs will hold its annual ‘Forever in Our Hearts’ commemoration at the Eagles’ Haven Wellness Center (5655 Coral Ridge Drive; Coral Springs) starting at 1:30 p.m.