Press Release
Brad Marchand Embraces Unconventional Celebration with Florida Panthers
June 1, 2025 | By Conor Roche
In a twist on traditional postgame rituals, Brad Marchand, now with the Florida Panthers, has embraced an amusing celebration after each win this postseason—being pelted with plastic rats by his teammates. The quirky tradition emerged during the Panthers’ Eastern Conference Finals victory over the Carolina Hurricanes, culminating in the team capturing the Prince of Wales Trophy.
Matthew Tkachuk, one of Marchand’s teammates, reflected on the origins of the celebration, noting that it started with Evan Rodrigues shooting the first rat and quickly became a lighthearted team bonding experience. "It fits what our team is all about: having fun," Tkachuk said.
Marchand, known for his "rat" nickname during his tenure with the Boston Bruins, has been a standout performer, scoring four goals and accumulating 14 points this postseason. Despite the playful barrage, he affectionately remarked, “I want their best shots.”
Tkachuk has lauded Marchand’s impact on and off the ice, stating the winger “was born to be a Florida Panther.” As the Panthers prepare for the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers, Marchand aims for his second championship, bringing exuberance and skill to a team thriving on camaraderie.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
