For Paul Maurice, standing beside the Gaudreau family was like second nature. Because respect, brotherhood, and community spirit transcend any competition there is. The Panthers have always championed this tight-knit connection that exists in the hockey community. And when we say class is permanent, Sam Reinhart leads by example. On June 17, he was the hero of the Stanley Cup triumph, but he also showed why the game is bigger than all of us.

Bleacher Report Open Ice shared an update on X on June 18. It’s a clip of the Florida Panthers in celebratory mood, but the caption of the post makes us pause. “Sam Reinhart is wearing his Gaudreau 5k shirt 🥺 (via @bluebirdnhoney)”. It’s a gesture that leaves a mark on all of us as we remember how the hockey world was hit by the Gaudreau brothers’ accident. Two amazing human beings who were taken too soon on August 29, 2024.

Since then, the hockey world has hobbled on, trying to live in the present. But the memories of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau remain vivid. Just 2 brothers who were inseparable, and people knew how they lived life to the fullest, enjoying their hockey. But most importantly, Johnny and Matthew loved their family. Yes, we wish we could turn back time.

But we can’t. What we can do is remember them and their values. We can extend a compassionate hand to their family which Sam Reinhart exactly did. His Gaudreau 5K t-shirt is the event arranged by the Gaudreau family on May 31 – The Gaudreau Family 5K Run/Walk & Family Day. Inviting families to join in this endeavor, it was about keeping the memories of the boys alive. But not just that.

It was also a noble occasion in which the Gaudreau family was helping the community. As a charity event, the money raised from their efforts was to be donated to assist the building of an adaptive playground at Archbishop Damiano School. It is, after all, “continuing John and Matty’s beautiful legacies of giving back,” as was shared by the Gaudreau family on Instagram.

Sam Reinhart did his part, and now, on a day when he could have nudged the narrative of him being the star, he quietly chose to be bigger than that. But Sam Reinhart hasn’t been alone in upholding this culture. It’s the Florida Panthers way.

Not just Sam Reinhart, the Florida Panthers organization stands in support

This Gaudreau event was participated by the entire Florida Panthers organization, the players, the family, and staff members too. Yes, they didn’t think twice before joining the Gaudreaus in making the world a better place. A Matthew Tkachuk signed jersey was auctioned for $12,000, which helped push the charity fund beyond $100,000.

And that’s not the only time the Panthers have shown their class. When Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele lost his father during the Playoffs 2nd round, Panthers coach Paul Maurice went out of his way to extend his condolences to Scheifele and his family. He mentioned how brave it was of Scheifele to come out to join his Winnipeg Jets brothers to fight off a Stanley Cup elimination.

What makes it more extraordinary is the presser was all the all-important Game 7 against the Toronto Maple Leafs. That was also on road ice for the now Stanley Cup Champions. But rivalry, and cut-throat competition didn’t make Paul Maurice lose his humanity. He has always known what’s important. In fact, talking about the Gaudreau 5K event and Panthers’ participation, he had shared, “It really goes to the soul of our game, the connections across team between players, the community of the National Hockey League.”

These little things make the Florida Panthers a great organization. Time and again, they have put people, relations, and their well-being above what happens inside the rink.