© Florida Panthers

Carter Verhaeghe and the town of Waterdown, Ont. may have felt some déjà vu on Monday when the Panthers forward stopped by.

Verhaeghe spent his day in his hometown with the Cup, sharing the trophy with his loved ones after securing the championship with the Panthers in the previous season. Similarly, in 2020, following his Cup win with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Verhaeghe also spent his day in Waterdown.

However, the days appeared slightly altered. Amid the 2020 COVID pandemic, Verhaeghe’s activities with the Cup were somewhat restricted, and masks became a standard for both friends and fans. This time, however, the smiles were free from masks.

“Seeing it was incredible,” said Verhaeghe. “The thrill of bringing it here and witnessing the children’s response…some are so awestruck by the Cup that they’re left speechless. It’s remarkable. That’s what it’s really about.”

Verhaeghe also got to see his named engraved on the Cup twice this time around. Both of his names are on the bottom ring, which make them easy to find, he said.

Verhaeghe is only one of two Panthers who had their named engraved on the Cup a second time, along with forward Vladimir Tarasenko, who on the Cup in 2019 with the St. Louis Blues.

Seeing your name on the Cup never gets old pic.twitter.com/L9BwRwVOsu

— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) August 19, 2024

The engraving has occurred before the summer tour for the second time, following the 2022-23 Vegas Golden Knights. Typically, the names were engraved on the trophy in late September or early October.

Verhaeghe not only shared the trophy with fans but also spent time with his family, including his 92-year-old grandma.

“Her arrival was unexpected,” said Verhaeghe. “It’s profoundly special that she is able to share this day with us.”

Verhaeghe concluded his day with the Cup by playing a round of golf and enjoying a sweet dessert from the bowl with his family.

An awesome way to end a great day for @FlaPanthers Carter Verhaeghe. Ice cream, anyone? (Waterdown, ON) #StanleyCup @NHL @HockeyHallFame pic.twitter.com/gHnx2QFN4e

— Philip Pritchard (@keeperofthecup) August 20, 2024

Verhaeghe and Waterdown had another overall eventful day with the Cup.

Carter's day with the @StanleyCup is complete ☑️ pic.twitter.com/bmzRY0JiK2

— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) August 20, 2024