Rats Roundup: Haley's Ninja Turtle Takes

Well, we're right in the thick of it.
The NHL Draft was a full three weeks ago. The start of free agency was two weeks ago. Now, it's time to wait. Next up? The Cats prospects take on rookie teams from the Lightning, Capitals and Predators in Estero, Fla. in September.
On that note, let's go ahead and take a look back on the last week worth of Panthers #content, before you head home for the weekend.

HELLO, HALEY

Micheal Haley's only been a Florida Panther for two weeks, but he's spent the past week diving headfirst into the South Florida community. The 31-year-old Ontario native made the trek down to Sunrise last weekend and got to work meeting the fans.
His first stop? The BB&T Center, obviously, but not for a workout. He was there as a part of the Florida Panthers Learn to Play program fitting day, helping area kids get equipment so they can learn how to play the game.
Our own Jameson Olive was on site to document this experience,
and the result is a must-read piece.
Haley also teamed up with JetBlue, Random House publishing and the city of Fort Lauderdale to promote reading in schools.

Turns out he's got some pretty finely-tuned literary takes, too.

Eat your hearts out, Leonardo diehards.

THORTY IN THE NEWS

Shawn Thornton traded his skates for some Excel spreadsheets earlier this summer, joining the Panthers front office as the team's Vice President of Business Operations. That doesn't mean he's not hitting the gym anymore, though, and today, he had some special guests from Broward County Special Olympics.

Thorty also sat down with Venice Magazine to look back on his career
in this enlightening feature
.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK:

That's right, we have an actual highlight to share. In the middle of July. Seriously!

Good to see Nick Bjugstad keeping sharp with some Minnesota summer hockey. With a sick slapper like that, it won't be long before they rename it Da Bjugy League.

QUICK HITTERS:

• Henrik Borgström
  looks back at his first year stateside.
  - Dryden Hunt and Michael Downing
  talk about adjusting to the AHL life last season. 
  - The Community Champions program
  returns for another season!