Stanley Cup wins, hat tricks, chicken fingers, and full-circle moments? For Sam Reinhart, the summer of 2025 is shaping up to be the ultimate glow-up.
Just days after leading the Florida Panthers to their second straight Stanley Cup championship on Tuesday (June 17), the 29-year-old forward took a victory lap like no other — by working a celebratory shift at Raising Cane’s in Fort Lauderdale on Friday (June 20). Yes, you read that right. The man who just tied Wayne Gretzky’s goal record in a Final stepped off the ice and into the Drive-Thru window, chicken tongs in hand and a Cane’s combo in tow.
Decked out in his Cane’s crew shirt and beaming like the champ he is, Reinhart served up food, smiles, and Cup-winning energy to hundreds of fans just 15 minutes from the Panthers’ Amerant Bank Arena. Because when you’ve just scored four goals in a single Stanley Cup Final game, what’s next? Chicken fingers, obviously.
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But let’s talk hockey for a sec. Because Sam Reinhart didn’t just win. He rewrote the record books.
Reinhart delivered a jaw-dropping four-goal performance in Game 6, matching a Stanley Cup Final record and becoming just the second player in history to score four goals in a Cup-clinching game — joining Babe Dye in the 1920s. His heroics helped Florida defeat the Edmonton Oilers (again!) and become the first team in 37 years to repeat on home ice.
“That was probably the fastest game I’ve ever been a part of,” Sam said during the media session at Cane’s. “You’re just in the zone… it was a pretty cool experience.”
Oh, and in case you missed it — Reinhart finished the series with seven goals, tying legends like Wayne Gretzky, Mike Bossy, and Jean Beliveau for the most goals in a Final in the modern era. Casual.
Of course, Celeb Secrets had to get deep. With such a transformational past two years for Reinhart and the Panthers — especially since acquiring fellow star Matthew Tkachuk — we asked Sam how he’d describe his evolution as a player.
His answer? “It’s just about being ready for the moment,” he told us. “A lot of hard work behind the scenes, especially at the start of my career, to take advantage of an opportunity like this… in an environment like the one I’m a part of now.”
It’s that combination of work ethic and trust in the process that’s shaped Reinhart into the player he is today: a two-time Cup champion, Selke Trophy finalist, and a certified Florida hockey icon.
“The transformation that’s happened in South Florida has been pretty special,” he said. “To be a part of that the last couple years is something we don’t take for granted.”
What makes the Panthers’ success even more lovable is the team-first mentality that shines through every celebration. When Reinhart lifted the Cup this year, he made sure others got to feel that magic first.
“Lifting the Stanley Cup for the first time is something you can’t repeat,” he explained. “So we wanted the new guys to be the first to hold it… It was almost more fun watching them than lifting it myself.”
That unselfish spirit runs deep. From Barkov to Bennett to Tkachuk (who worked his own Raising Cane’s shift last year), this team thrives on chemistry — and an undeniable vibe that’s turning Florida into one of hockey’s hottest destinations.
“We’re just happy-go-lucky guys from South Florida,” Sam smiled. “And we’re going to have a good time doing it.”
So how do you follow up a historic playoff performance? By clocking in at Raising Cane’s, of course.
Reinhart’s victory shift at the Tamarac location had it all: Box Combos, salty fries, buttered toast, pumping Cane’s Sauce (with style), selfie lines, autograph sessions, mini Stanley Cup celebrations, and even a FaceTime call with Raising Cane’s founder Todd Graves. Oh, and a walk-in cooler break to beat the Florida heat—iconic.
“The best thing about Raising Cane’s? Chicken fingers,” Reinhart grinned. “Close second? This Arnie Palmer I’ve got here.”
As for his first time trying Cane’s? Let’s just say it was relatable. “First time I had Cane’s, my wife and I were hungover as sht*,” Sam laughed. “It saved our day.”
This year’s celebration was especially sweet for Reinhart, who missed the 2024 parade to attend a friend’s wedding. But no FOMO this time.
“I will not be missing the parade this year,” he declared. “David, if you’re watching, I’m so glad you’re not getting married again.”
With back-to-back wins, the million-dollar question is obvious: Can they go for a three-peat? “That’d be pretty cool,” Reinhart smirked. “Last year, we didn’t think about the second one. We enjoyed it. And that’s what we’re going to do now — enjoy this one.”
Still, there’s a sparkle in his eye and a fire in his tone. Don’t be surprised if the Panthers are lifting another Cup this time next year— especially with Sam Reinhart leading the charge.
Between his dominance on the ice and charm off it, Reinhart is the definition of a modern hockey star. He’s equal parts elite athlete and chicken-loving Canadian. A record-setter, fan-favorite, and Florida icon.
“The community here makes it great,” Sam said. “To give back and celebrate with them like this — it means everything.”
So whether he’s scoring goals in front of 20,000 fans or handing out extra Cane’s Sauce at the Drive-Thru, Reinhart is just built different. And if you’re not on the Cats’ bandwagon yet… now’s the time.
For more on Sam’s epic Raising Cane’s “shift,” make sure to watch our interview below — and don’t forget to let us know what you think of the Florida Panthers winning back-to-back championships by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sliding into our DMs on Instagram at @celebsecrets.
With reporting credit from Jozie Schroder.
