The Florida Panthers long planned to debut a new logo and new jerseys on opening night in Sunrise Thursday. But they called an audible on their warmup jerseys. And it was a beautiful sight.
Every Panther warmed up in a Jose Fernandez uniform. Players also wore No. 16 stickers on their helmets.
Tonight, we honor José. #JDF16 pic.twitter.com/YIsFJNBmg9
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) October 13, 2016
#JDF16 pic.twitter.com/4uYOp2sgnp
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) October 13, 2016
#JoseDay pic.twitter.com/MRKze5gzEg
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) October 13, 2016
Florida Panthers come onto ice all wearing Jose Fernandez No.16 jerseys pic.twitter.com/noKTNZknum
— George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) October 13, 2016
Before the game, the Panthers donated $35,000 to the Jose Fernandez Foundation. Two of Fernandez' former Marlins teammates, Dee Gordon and Adam Conley, accepted the check.
The @FlaPanthers donated $35K to the #JoseFernandez Foundation before tonight's game. @Marlins @FlashGJr & @Adamconley29 on hand to accept. pic.twitter.com/6UbJtXIrAt
— FOX Sports Florida (@FOXSportsFL) October 13, 2016
.@FlashGJr & @Adamconley29 with @FlaPanthers President & CEO, Matthew Caldwell. pic.twitter.com/4LWEbq9ZBp
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) October 13, 2016
#FlaPanthers Ownership commits 5 million over 5 years to local Community Champions. It starts tonight with #JDF16 pic.twitter.com/VAkspi1BwE
— FlaPanthersCARE (@FlaPanthersCARE) October 13, 2016
In fitting fashion, the Panthers won the game 2-1 over the Devils on an overtime goal by Aleksander Barkov, the Panthers' No. 16.
It's only fitting that #16 got us the winner tonight. pic.twitter.com/zu46ze2zN7
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) October 14, 2016
Thank you @FlaPanthers for your support and love. Tremendous opener, game winning OT goal by #16. #GodAtWork
— Adam Conley (@Adamconley29) October 14, 2016
In a tough time for South Florida sports, Thursday was a magical night.
-- Follow Jeffrey Eisenband on Twitter @JeffEisenband.