For the first time since the tragic shooting at Parkland’s Stoneman Douglas High School, the NHL’s Florida Panthers returned home. Prior to the game, Panthers goalie and Parkland resident Roberto Luongo addressed the crowd.
Roberto Luongo, a Parkland resident, with a really powerful speech before the Panthers/ Capitals game pic.twitter.com/eDoqFUixZQ
— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) February 23, 2018
“No child should ever have to go through that. It’s terrible. It’s time for us, as a community to take action. That’s enough. Enough is enough. We’ve got to take action. To the families of the victims, our hearts are broken for you guys. There’s not much to say. It’s heartbreaking. You guys are in our thoughts. We’ve been thinking about you every day, constantly for the last week. Just know that we’re there for you, if you need anything, you’ll be in our prayers. And let’s try to move on together.”
Luongo also addressed the Parkland students who have been fighting for change since the shooting. He called the students an “inspiration” and expressed optimism for the future.
It was similar to the speech that Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Deryk Engelland gave in the aftermath of the Las Vegas shooting, which came days before the team’s first home game.
Both speeches are certainly worth listening to.