Matthew Tkachuk emotional gesture for wheelchair-bound fan into Panthers' victory parade is winning hearts
Tkachuk's heartfelt parade moment with superfan steals spotlight (Image via: Getty Images)
During the Florida Panthers' Stanley Cup victory parade, Matthew Tkachuk made headlines for more than just hockey. He invited longtime fan Cesar Lucero, who lives with a rare bone condition, to join the celebration.
The gesture quickly went viral and added a personal, emotional highlight to the Panthers' second straight championship win.
Matthew
Tkachuk
's touching gesture goes viral at Panthers parade
In a moment that transcended hockey, Florida Panthers superstar Matthew Tkachuk paused the championship celebrations to recognize a fan who has endured more than most — Cesar Lucero, a motivational speaker, high school football coach, and lifelong Panthers supporter battling osteogenesis imperfecta.
"My escape from all the pain and suffering was watching sports,' Lucero shared in 2024, describing how his love for the Panthers gave him strength through his toughest days. The Florida native, who's supported the Cats since 1996, finally saw his team lift the Stanley Cup not once, but twice and this time, he got to be part of the celebration in the most unforgettable way.
During the Panthers' 2025 championship parade on Fort Lauderdale Beach, Tkachuk spotted Lucero along State Road A1A. Without hesitation, the
NHL
All-Star stopped the flow of the parade to invite Lucero in his wheelchair into the celebration.
The moment, captured in X (formerly Twitter) post, lit up social media:
'One of many awesome moments from today. @TKACHUKycheese_ noticed @BigCeaz and immediately came over to let him into the parade. Game knows game!'
Lucero missed the 2023 playoffs after falling into a coma caused by complications from surgery. But in 2024, he was back on his feet and wheels to witness the Panthers win their first-ever Stanley Cup.
'Seeing them win the Stanley Cup was something I've never dreamed about. Just so much emotion,' Lucero said after last year's win. Now, seeing the Cats defend their title in 2025, the emotional payoff is beyond words. And with Matthew Tkachuk by his side this time, the moment became even more unforgettable.
Back in May, CBS Sports even dubbed Lucero the 'secret weapon' behind Florida's playoff magic. And while NHL analyst Paul Bissonnette — a Maple Leafs fan — tried mocking the Cats throughout their run, Lucero had the last laugh as Florida eliminated Toronto again.
Tkachuk wins over Coach Maurice with more than just goals
Interestingly, Panthers head coach Paul Maurice once admitted he 'hated' Tkachuk when coaching the Winnipeg Jets.
'And then you meet him and go, 'My God, what a wonderful human being,'' Maurice later confessed.
This latest gesture may have further cemented Tkachuk's place in the hearts of fans and perhaps, even in Coach Maurice's long-term vision.
Also Read:
Maple Leafs' Mitch Marner projected to land record-breaking $14M NHL contract
While the celebration had its share of jabs at the Edmonton Oilers including a cheeky sushi order mocking the Oilers' Game 5 reservations, it was Tkachuk's act of compassion that elevated the parade to something truly memorable. Because in the end, championships come and go, but moments like this endure forever.
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