There’s Jaromir Jagr, age 44, hailing from the Czech Reupublic, who began his 26th season in the NHL this fall. He takes the ice every night next to two Finnish speedsters, one born 11 years after him and another born a ridiculous 23 years later.

There’s Jonathan Marchessault, 5’9″, undrafted and given up on by two more teams before hitting his stride this season in south Florida.

Then there’s first overall pick Aaron Ekblad, the star defenseman who is just 20 years old in his third NHL season. Ekblad, an alternate captain, has been a stud since he was young. His fame has only grown from there.

The 2016-2017 are a very diverse group. They’re young, they’re old, they’re fast, but also gritty, and the core of this team will be together for years to come. Their playoff run last season was cut short by the New York Islanders, but the Panthers proved that hockey is alive and well in South Florida.

Even with the largest jump in attendance from two years ago to last season, the Panthers struggle to generate buzz and large crowds in Sunrise. Zimmerman Advertisements line the empty seats at the BB&T Center night by night. With the Miami Heat struggling, the Dolphins headed for an early playoff exit (if they make it), and the Marlins in the offseason, here are the top reasons you should board the Panthers bandwagon.

The Panthers are poised to contend for years to come 

The core players of this group are so young, yet so incredibly talented. Florida’s best player, Aleksander Barkov, is just 21. With him are fellow young guns Aaron Ekblad (20), Jonathan Huberdeau (23), Reilly Smith (25), Nick Bjugstad (24), and Vincent Trocheck (23). Every player on that list, including Barkov, is under contract until 2021.These Panthers are going to stick around for a while, and they’ll only grow stronger with time.

That is an amazing slew of young talent, and with youth comes wild speed. The Panthers have both the speed and the toughness to compete in today’s NHL, as junior and avid fan Ben Schwartz stated, “This up and coming team is really fun to watch. They have a great mix of young guns and experienced veterans.”

Jaromir Jagr breaks another record every night 

Junior Benjamin Queen captured the essence of Jaromir Jagr’s greatness best, stating “The BB&T Center is an electric factory when Jagr scores.” Jagr ranks third all-time in regular season goals, and at 749 goals he has no intention of retiring until he catches Gordie Howe with 801 goals. Jagr is 44, turning 45 in February, and is a whopping 20 years older than multiple teammates. He’s won Cups, MVP awards, played in countless All-Star games, and still has gas left in the tank to help push the Panthers to the top.

Panthers fans love Jagr, and the players do, too. He is the glue on this team and he serves as a mentor to all of the young guys. It feels like Jagr breaks a new record with every point he scores, and he is a vital piece for the Panthers.

Hockey is on the rise in South Florida, and the Panthers are ready to compete. Between their young studs and the ageless wonder Jaromir Jagr, it is time for South Florida to give the Panthers their full support.

Sources: Hockey reference, NHL.com.