Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk got a once-in-a-lifetime moment on Friday, May 8, 2026, when he went for a ride high over Fort Lauderdale with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds as part of the Lauderdale Air Show.
Tkachuk was part of the Thunderbirds’ Hometown Heroes program.
Video Courtesy Florida Panthers / @FlaPanthers / Panthers Vision
Tkachuk to Join the Thunderbirds: https://floridahockeynow.com/matthew-tkachuk-to-fly-fort-lauderdale-today-air-force-thunderbirds/
The Panthers Have Done It Again, Repeat as Cup Champs: https://floridahockeynow.com/florida-panthers-repeat-stanley-cup-champions-2025/
Panthers Get Their New Rings. Yeah, They Nice: https://floridahockeynow.com/stanley-cup-champion-florida-panthers-get-rings-yeah-they-nice/
Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning Bringing Hockey Outdoors – In Florida: https://floridahockeynow.com/nhl-outdoor-hockey-miami-tampa-florida-panthers-lightning/
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Video Courtesy Florida Panthers / Panther Vision
Now I really am starting to think these guys need to get back to focusing on hockey and not just assume they’re gonna win again.
This is awesome! Chucky literally living his American Dream! So happy for you! 🎉🎉🎉🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Mt government bootlicker
God I hope they give him a hilarious call name . Or something good , “ Panther “ ?
Holy crap thats nuts