Carter Verhaeghe returned to the Florida Panthers, filled with joy after the birth of his first son, Rory. The veteran forward expressed his happiness during Thursday’s morning skate, sharing the good news about his family. Verhaeghe’s wife, Casey, is doing well, and both parents are excited about their new arrival.
Verhaeghe’s Joyful Return
After a brief absence to welcome Rory, Verhaeghe recounted the experience at Baptist Health IcePlex. He explained, “I’m just thankful that we got to welcome a baby boy into the world. My wife and I are so proud.” This moment marked a significant milestone for the player and his family.
The Panthers’ Growing Family
Verhaeghe is not alone in his newfound parenthood; he joins a supportive environment within the Panthers. Head coach Paul Maurice referred to the team’s locker room as “a daycare,” highlighting the number of players who are also fathers. At present, about 15 players on the team have children, creating a special camaraderie among them.
- Carter Verhaeghe: Proud new dad of son Rory.
- Coach Paul Maurice: A father of three, describing the dad bond.
- Team stats: Approximately 15 players now have children.
Verhaeghe noted the excitement among his teammates regarding his fatherhood journey. “Everyone was just so excited for me,” he said. He expressed anticipation for future teammates who are expecting, emphasizing the significance of these shared experiences.
Newfound Perspective
Reflecting on Rory’s arrival, Verhaeghe stated that this personal milestone surpasses his professional achievements, including three Stanley Cup victories. “It’s not even close,” he remarked, calling his son’s birth “the greatest thing in the world.”
As for the notion of “dad strength,” Verhaeghe remained optimistic about the potential benefits. Currently, he ranks eighth on the Panthers’ all-time goals list with 142 goals. His franchise record of 33 playoff goals further highlights his scoring prowess.
Verhaeghe joked about the possibility of an increase in his shooting power, mentioning Sergei Bobrovsky’s comment that his shot felt harder during practice. This playful banter indicates that Verhaeghe’s spirits are high and suggests that a hot streak could be on the horizon for the Panthers’ No. 23.
