Panthers Thank Fans for Support All Season

Fan Appreciation Night Set For Cats-Thrashers Game On April 18

SUNRISE, Fla. – Sunrise Sports & Entertainment announced today that the Florida Panthers-Atlanta Thrashers game on Tuesday, April 18 at the BankAtlantic Center is officially Fan Appreciation Night presented by BankAtlantic.

Consistently large home crowds have helped the Cats post one of the best home records in franchise history at 24-11-4.

"Our fans have behind us all season long," Cats Captain Olli Jokinen said. "They are an important part of our success at home and we want to show them that we appreciate all of their support and we can't wait to see them back next season."

Immediately following the last game of the season against Atlanta, the Florida Panthers Foundation will present "Shirts Off Our Backs." During the game fans can bid through a silent auction located on the plaza level near Pantherland for the chance to go down to the Panthers bench and receive an autographed game worn jersey from a Panthers player. The player will literally take the jersey off his back, autograph it and take a photo with the winning fan. All the money collected goes directly to the Sun-Sentinel Children's Fund.

The Panthers Foundation will also sponsor a Carls Puck Raffle where one lucky fan will win a road trip for two to a Panthers away game during the 2006-2007 season. Fans can buy pucks on the plaza level by Pantherland for $5 each, or five pucks for $20.

In addition, there will be a pregame reception for corporate sponsors and BankAtlantic will have a Stanley C. Panther bank giveaway for the first 5,000 children (12 and under). Fans will also have an opportunity to see their text messages displayed on the jumbotron and win a trip for 11 to the Stanley Cup Finals during the Sprint Nextel NHL Stanley Cup Text To Win contest.

There will also be awards given out throughout the game including the Florida Panthers MVP award presented by BankAtlantic, the ADT Defensive Player of the Year Award and the Panthers Community Award presented by Sziro Jewelry.

There will be special giveaways for season seat holders courtesy of the following corporate partners:

Southern Wine & Spirits

Spirit Airlines

Dr. Gregory Albert

Sun Sentinel

Doris Italian Market

BankAtlantic

A Family Limo

Honey Baked Ham

Office Depot

15th Street Fisheries

Wetson Hills Country Club

Grand Bahama Island & Cloud X Transportation

Bally Total Fitness

Millenium Laser Eye Center

Laminate US

Housewall Garage Systems

Field of Flowers

Dr. Kawa

Panthers Players

Florida Panthers Hockey Club

There will also be select row giveaways from the following companies:

Anheuser Busch

Papa Johns

Coke

Dry Clean USA

Carolina Ale House

For more information or questions about the Florida Panthers Fan Appreciation Night please call Nadia Abich at 954-835-7331. You can also learn more about Fan Appreciation Night at www.floridapanthers.com.