Panthers Spread Holiday Cheer at Four South Florida Hospitals

MIAMI -The Florida Panthers brought some much-needed holiday cheer to four local hospitals last week, donning their jerseys and, of course, Santa Claus hats while delivering presents and snapping photos with patients throughout South Florida on Dec. 7.

"It's awesome," said center Jared McCann. "Being able to come out and do something like this has been great. You can look at the Panthers and say, 'Wow, they're the type of people that go out and try and do as much in the community as possible.' I feel like we've done a great job trying to make as many smiles as we can."
McCann was one of seven Panthers that spent the afternoon making their way through the halls of local hospitals, which included: Broward Health, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center's pediatric clinic, alex's place, and Holtz Children's Hospital.

Stanley C. Panther, Viktor E. Ratt and the ROAR Corps also made the rounds, helping players pick out what presents to give each child as the groups made their way from room to room. For players like McCann, the inspiring children gave back much more than what they had received.
"We've met some pretty amazing kids today," McCann said. "Unfortunate things happen, but they're battling and fighting through it. You kind of look up to them… To get out there and see some of the kids that are less fortunate, you walk away humbled. In your heart, you see that they're battling through things, and it kind of pushes you forward."
With players split up into three groups to make sure each hospital was hit, McCann teamed up with defenseman MacKenzie Weegar to visit Holtz Children's Hospital and Alex's Place, which is an out-patient facility that treats anyone ages 0-21 with a pediatric cancer or blood disorder.
"Our teenagers love any sports folks, whatsoever," said Leslie Hutchins, a certified child life specialist at alex's place. "It's great for them, an opportunity they would never have in their life to be up and close personal with the players. Especially with the Panthers, it's such a cool thing. Hockey is sort of a unique piece here in Florida, so the kids like that.
"For the little kids, the parents are the ones that usually tell us since they're not always old enough to understand. They're so pleased people in the community think about them and understand their struggle. It makes coming to the clinic, knowing that from time to time you're going to have a good time and have really positive things to look forward to, that much easier."
As McCann and Weegar made their way through the hospitals hallways, pulling along a cart filled with hats, blankets and toys, children began to perk up as if it were Santa with his sleigh.
"Dad! Dad! It's the Florida Panthers!," exclaimed one excited child, who then spent several minutes questioning Viktor E. Ratt about another famous rodent mascot, Chuck E. Cheese.
For Weegar, who lost his uncle to cancer in September, the visit held a special significance.
"I wish I could do it more often," he said. "Obviously we have a pretty busy job. With his passing, it's touched me a little bit closer. He was obviously older [than the kids]. But even the kids and seeing them has been sort of hard, but it's been nice. Like I said, I wish I could do it more often."
Despite their hectic schedules, Weegar said his teammates always enjoy finding time to visit hospitals, adding that maybe he "can take a turn being Santa" when his NHL career is over.
"I don't think anybody wouldn't like doing this," Weegar said. "This is awesome, seeing the kids smile. Even the people around working here, making them smile as well. Seeing everyone smile and making everyone happy is a great feeling. I love doing this."