The Florida Panthers and star forward Matthew Tkachuk are teaming up for a weekend of youth hockey in Fort Lauderdale culminating in the first Matthew Tkachuk Cup.
Presented by Baptist Health, the Tkachuk hockey events will take place during Labor Day Weekend at the IcePlex.
The Matthew Tkachuk Hockey Celebration will run from Sept. 4-6, with the Tkachuk Cup featuring a Boys’ AAA (Tier 1) and Girls’ AA (Tier 2) tournament through the weekend.
All tournament games will be free and open to the public.
The Panthers will also have a lot of free on-ice and off-ice programming for families and hockey fans on Saturday, Sept. 5.
According to the team, event highlights include live chats with Tkachuk “and other personalities” which will be hosted by TV voice Steve Goldstein.
Along with giveaways and appearances by team mascots and their dance team, there will be a ‘Try Skating For Free’ and ‘Try Hockey For Free’ sessions along with public open skating sessions from 12-4:30 p.m.
“Growing the game of hockey in South Florida means a lot to me, as I’ve seen firsthand how much this community has embraced our sport,” Tkachuk said in a statement announcing the events.
“This weekend is about bringing the community together, giving kids and families the opportunity to experience hockey, have fun, and inspire the next generation.”
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