Florida Panthers debut new uniforms with special Jose Fernandez warmup jersey

Thursday night’s season opener against the New Jersey Devils is a big moment for the franchise, as the Panthers will debut a brand new logo and new uniforms for the first time in franchise history. The high-profile nature of the occasion makes it all the more classy that they’re using the opportunity to make a touching tribute.

Every Panthers player wore No. 16 and the name “Fernandez” on their nameplate in honor of late Miami Marlins ace pitcher Jose Fernandez during warmups.

The players will wear their normal jerseys during the game, but the helmet decal will remain.

Fernandez passed away in late September during a boating accident in Miami. He was 24 years old.

Florida finished the game with poignancy, too: Aleksander Barkov scored the game-winner. He wears #16.