Feature photo:Getty Images
This year’s Stanley Cup victory added to a string of already heartfelt family moments for Florida Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues.
From on-ice celebrations including cherished photos with hockey’s most coveted trophy, to planning his special day with the Cup, Rodrigues is still beaming after Florida captured its second consecutive championship on June 17.
The 31-year-old, also a member of the Panthers 2024 title team, isn’t the only one in his household wearing a permanent smile these days – he’s got plenty of company.
“It’s been a little bit less of a whirlwind because you know what to expect, so we are able to enjoy it a lot more this time than last year, in terms of taking everything that is going on, all the little joys that come with it.”
Nearly 10 days after Florida’s Game 6, Cup-clinching win on home ice, the celebratory buzz is still going strong.
“My two boys (six-year-old Grayson and five-year-old Noah) fully understand what’s going on and all the celebrations that come with winning the Cup,” said Evan, who, along with his wife, Christina, also have a daughter named Ella Grace, born in August 2023. “We try to bring them along for everything we can. Their faces when they came on the ice after the game, seeing the Cup – they are just so ecstatic. It makes it even better when I see how happy they are.
“They also have their own two mini–Stanley Cups that they are hoisting all around the house,” added the undrafted forward, who totaled 15 points in 21 games this postseason.
If Evan and Christina ever need a refresher on how the Stanley Cup Final unfolded, they don’t need to look far – just to their sons' playroom.
“I just left the kids reenacting the games with mini figures,” Christina laughed. “They remember everything – who scored, which period, the penalties. Sometimes they pretend to be the refs.”
Last year, the boys gained attention for dressing as Keepers of the Cup when Evan brought the trophy to his alma mater, Boston University, where the family was greeted by the school’s marching band.
Whatever they’re wearing, the hockey-loving siblings have made these back-to-back wins even more memorable for Evan.
“It just adds that extra layer that makes it even more special. To have them be part of it all and have those memories, creating their own – it is something we can all share in.
“You see how much joy they have taken out of it, maybe even more than me, if that’s possible.”
Evan, who just completed his ninth NHL season, has made an impact at every stop of his NHL career.
Born in Toronto, the centreman previously suited up for the Buffalo Sabres, Pittsburgh Penguins and Colorado Avalanche before signing a four-year contract with Florida on July 2, 2023. He has tallied 41 points in 61 career playoff games.
“Every single year, it has just been better and better for Evan,” said Christina. “He doesn’t stop, and he doesn’t get down. If anything, he gets further motivation to keep going and keep succeeding. I am not one bit surprised by his success. I am so proud of him, and I am so happy for him. That said, I haven’t taken any of this for granted. It’s still surreal.
“I am so grateful for the team, the players and the fans who have embraced us. It is incredible.”
Evan, in turn, credits Christina for helping make the entire experience possible.
“During the playoffs, she is taking care of the kids, bringing them to every home game, bringing them to every watch party when we’re on road, letting them stay up late to watch the games – she makes it special because she is giving those opportunities. She does all the hard, behind-the-scenes work, and I am so grateful for everything she does. I can’t thank her enough.”
As for how long the family’s post-Cup joy might last? No one is in a hurry to see it end, admitted Evan.
“It’s a time and a moment we will never forget. It’s been quite a week, for sure.”
And quite an unforgettable ride for the entire Rodrigues family.
“It is so amazing – there are no words,” said Christina. “To have our three kids be part of it is something we are so grateful for.”
