© 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 had a day with the Cup in his hometown, sharing the trophy with loved ones following his championship victory last season with the Panthers. He similarly spent a day in Waterdown in 2020, after his Cup win with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

However, the days appeared somewhat altered. The COVID pandemic in 2020 somewhat restricted Verhaeghe’s activities with the Cup, and wearing masks became customary for friends and supporters alike. This time, the smiles were visible without masks.

“It was incredible to witness,” Verhaeghe exclaimed. “To bring it here and experience the reactions of all the children… some are too starstruck by the Cup to even speak. It’s truly fantastic. That’s what it’s really all 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 prior to the summer tour for the second time, with the first instance being with the 2022-23 Vegas Golden Knights. Traditionally, the engraving of the names on the trophy was typically done in late September or early October.

In addition to sharing the trophy with his fans, Verhaeghe also spent time with his family, including his grandma who recently celebrated her 92nd birthday.

“Her presence was unexpected,” Verhaeghe expressed. “The fact that she can partake in this day with us is truly extraordinary.”

Verhaeghe concluded his day of playing golf with the Cup by indulging in a sweet treat 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

It was yet another eventful day for Verhaeghe and Waterdown with the Cup.

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

— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) August 20, 2024