The Stanley Cup Final is getting more heated with every shift. The players know each other so well by now, and everyone is doing their best to get under their opponent’s skin. The physical—and sometimes nasty—style of play could easily scare younger fans. But not nine-year-old Panthers fan Sophia, who is now going viral.
There are many aspects of hockey to love: the speed, the technical skill, the rivalry, and of course, the physicality of the game. In Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers, officials handed out 140 penalty minutes—the most in a Final game since 1986, when the Montreal Canadiens faced off against the Calgary Flames.
Physical game
All the players on both teams have clearly developed a strong dislike for one another, and with every shift, they’re doing everything they can to get under each other’s skin.
The physical and sometimes nasty style of play could easily frighten younger fans in the stands. But after Game 3, a local reporter found nine-year-old Sophia, who delivered the best response about the game.
Young fan loving it
“The fighting—it was really good, and I really liked how they punched each other, a lot,” Sophia told reporters. Fans are absolutely loving her hilarious response.
“Sophia needs to give the pregame hype speech,” one person wrote on X.
“A true hockey fan!” another added.
“What an icon,” a third chimed in.
Game 4 will be played in Sunrise on Thursday.
You can watch the hilarious video below.
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