The NHL Panthers have been mentioned in reports as possibly following the Thrashers in moving to Canada, but Panthers President & COO Michael Yormark said that he has “never been more optimistic about the Panthers’ viability” in South Florida, according to Craig Davis of the South Florida SUN-SENTINEL. The Panthers will have to “spend more than $30 million just to reach the mandated minimum payroll,” and it is a “unique position for the franchise, and perhaps the most critical time in their history.” The Panthers last made the playoffs in ’00, and Yormark said, “It’s absolutely time. Ten years is too long. And, quite frankly, unacceptable.” Davis notes the Panthers “have shown a flair for marketing.” The team unveiled their new red jerseys during last week’s NHL Draft, and its new “Seeing Red” campaign “makes an appealing connection to the team’s roots of success.” Yormark said, “The non-traditional (hockey) markets can be very successful. I think the key, though, is having sustained success. In South Florida, there are so many choices for people. We have to give them a reason to choose to come to a Florida Panthers game” (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 6/28).
MAKING A RETURN TRIP: The Panthers have entered into an AHL affiliation agreement with the San Antonio Rampage beginning with the ’11-12 season. The Rampage previously served as the Panthers’ AHL affiliate from ‘02-05 (Panthers).
