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Before the Panthers became champions: The Iron Mike Keenan years

Before the Panthers won two Stanley Cups, "Iron" Mike Keenan and Mike Pelino helped to shape a different era of Florida hockey.

By Daria Mironova · The Rat Trick

Published: Monday, 2 November 2026 at 10:06 PM

Key Things to Know

Mike Pelino reflected on his brief coaching stint under Mike Keenan with the Florida Panthers.
Keenan coached Florida from 2001 to 2003 and later served as general manager until 2006.
Panthers ownership previously blocked a proposed trade sending Roberto Luongo to Boston for Joe Thornton.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former Florida Panthers assistant coach Mike Pelino reflected on his brief 15-game tenure alongside Mike "Iron Mike" Keenan during the 2003-04 NHL season. Keenan served as Florida's head coach starting in 2001-02 and later returned as general manager in May 2004, overseeing major roster turnover before resigning in September 2006.

Pelino noted the vast transformation of South Florida's hockey culture compared to the franchise's earlier struggles. Keenan also revealed that during his tenure as general manager, Florida's ownership rejected a proposed one-for-one trade that would have sent Roberto Luongo to the Boston Bruins for Joe Thornton.

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Before the Panthers became champions: The Iron Mike Keenan years

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