The Panthers players were wide-eyed as they walked out from the Marlins dugout to the ice for their practice Thursday, noticing details such as palm trees and beach and lifeguard chairs in left field and an ice rink in right field.

“It’s not every year – maybe playing in Boston it seems like every year – but for most of the League it’s not every year you get an opportunity to go through something like this,” Panthers forward Sam Reinhart said.

“So, I think you have to take it all in. It’s not the League’s first rodeo. They seem to know what they’re doing and how to put on a good show, and to be a part of it, is pretty special.”

Maurice coached in two previous outdoor games with the Winnipeg Jets – the 2016 Heritage Classic against the Edmonton Oilers at Investors Group Field in Winnipeg, Manitoba and the 2019 Heritage Classic against the Calgary Flames at Mosaic Stadium in Regina, Saskatchewan. The game-time temperature was 27 degrees Fahrenheit in Regina. The temperature is expected to be in the low 60s or high 50s at puck drop in Miami on Friday.

So, this will be different for Maurice, but no less enjoyable.

“It’s an incredible experience for everybody,” Maurice said. “I’d like to say I’m proud to be a part of it, like I had nothing to do with it, but I’m really enjoying the idea that the Florida Panthers – and we give credit to the Tampa Bay Lightning too, as much as that hurts us – but hockey in Florida is powerful, and because of it, there’s fan interest.

“So, there’s a value to the League. It makes the League, I think, look really good to have these games in Florida. They’re kind of showing off their product a little bit, so I think it’s great.”

The Panthers players were wide-eyed as they walked out from the Marlins dugout to the ice for their practice Thursday, noticing details such as palm trees and beach and lifeguard chairs in left field and an ice rink in right field.

“It’s not every year – maybe playing in Boston it seems like every year – but for most of the League it’s not every year you get an opportunity to go through something like this,” Panthers forward Sam Reinhart said.

“So, I think you have to take it all in. It’s not the League’s first rodeo. They seem to know what they’re doing and how to put on a good show, and to be a part of it, is pretty special.”

Maurice coached in two previous outdoor games with the Winnipeg Jets – the 2016 Heritage Classic against the Edmonton Oilers at Investors Group Field in Winnipeg, Manitoba and the 2019 Heritage Classic against the Calgary Flames at Mosaic Stadium in Regina, Saskatchewan. The game-time temperature was 27 degrees Fahrenheit in Regina. The temperature is expected to be in the low 60s or high 50s at puck drop in Miami on Friday.

So, this will be different for Maurice, but no less enjoyable.

“It’s an incredible experience for everybody,” Maurice said. “I’d like to say I’m proud to be a part of it, like I had nothing to do with it, but I’m really enjoying the idea that the Florida Panthers – and we give credit to the Tampa Bay Lightning too, as much as that hurts us – but hockey in Florida is powerful, and because of it, there’s fan interest.

“So, there’s a value to the League. It makes the League, I think, look really good to have these games in Florida. They’re kind of showing off their product a little bit, so I think it’s great.”