The Florida Panthers are playing their first home game since the mass shooting that killed 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. The Panthers are the only major league team in Broward County, and just a short drive down the Sawgrass Expressway separates them from Parkland. Before the game, they presented an emotional tribute to the victims that was marked by a long moment of silence as their names were illuminated on the ice.
Also as part of the pregame tribute, Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo—who’s lived in Parkland for the last 12 years along with his wife and kids—gave a speech on the ice that called for change and commended the heroes of the attack.
“No child should ever have to go through that. It’s terrible,” Luongo said. “It’s time for us as a community to take action. Enough is enough. We have to take action.”
Luongo also thanked the teachers who protected the students and praised the students who have protested and engaged with politicians since the shooting.
“I’ve been watching the news, and I’ve been seeing what the kids from Stoneman Douglas have been doing, and I’m very, very proud of you guys,” he said. “You guys are brave. You guys are an inspiration to all of us, and at the end of the day, you guys are what’s giving us hope for the future.”