NHL Stanley Cup Champion Matthew Tkachuk was greeted by many fans during his meet and greet with fans

The victory lap continues with NHL Stanley Cup champion Matthew Tkachuk. The Florida Panthers forward arranged a meeting at Raising Cane’s in Pompano Beach on Wednesday.

Tkachuk had the chance to serve some fans at the drive-thru and restaurant.

“Raising Cane’s is the chicken of champions,” Tkachuk says.

Fans lined up from 6 a.m. to be served by the new champion.

“I’ve been a Panthers fan since I was born. I watched their playoff games when I was in the hospital,” said Stephano Paz.

Paz, from Sunrise, who has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy since the age of 3. He shares that players like Tkachuk inspire him to persevere.

“Tkachuk is my favorite player. I have his jersey, I have it on my shirt, and today it was really exciting,” Paz said.

The Panthers star kept busy during his honorary shift as Raising Cane’s, with activities including serving food to customers, signing jerseys, hats and shirts, as well as hearing the roar ecstatic fans.

“This is a dream come true! Best day of my life,” says Nicole, who was served by Tkachuk at the Raising Cane’s drive-thru.

Nicole was accompanied by her two best friends, Tori and Geraldine.

Some of Tkachuk’s biggest fans came out to support the big win not only for the Florida Panthers, but for all of South Florida. Kids who play hockey shared what the moment meant to them.

“I was watching the last game from home and I was screaming at the top of my lungs,” said Tyler Jordan, a 13-year-old hockey player from Pompano Beach.

Jordan and his friends Ryland and Keegan Anton all play hockey. The three hopefuls were thrilled to be there for the occasion.

“Tkachuk and all the players have been my idols for a long time. I feel like their collaborative teamwork is what makes them stand out as a team,” said Keegan Anton.

If there’s one thing the Florida Panthers and Panther Nation have in common, it’s their dedication to the game. With defending champion Matthew Tkachuk celebrating with his fans, he’s not only building a legacy as an NHL player, but also as someone who brings hope to South Florida.

“South Florida has done so much for me in my two years here, and I want to leave hockey in a better place than where I came,” Tkachuk said.