Allie Schmidt, wife of Florida Panthers defenseman Nate Schmidt, opened up this week on the Never Offside podcast with Julie and Cat about her experience during the team’s Stanley Cup celebration. She spoke candidly about navigating the festivities while heavily pregnant, offering insight into the challenges and joys she faced.
At the time of the Panthers’ championship celebrations, Allie was approaching 37 weeks pregnant, feeling exhausted but determined to be present for every moment. Despite the physical toll, she focused on embracing the significance of the victory alongside her husband.
“And so, really trying to just lean into that, and just understand the specialness of it, too. Of being like, ‘Okay, I don’t care how pregnant I am, I’m going to everything, we’re going to figure out a way,’ thank God for my in-laws that week, and child care help. But it was, yeah, the most tired I think we’ve ever been,” she said.
The Lighthearted Side of the Stanley Cup Celebration
When asked how she might have enjoyed the festivities if not pregnant, Allie laughed at the thought of indulging in a few drinks, although she admitted she wouldn’t have matched Nate’s energy level. The humor in their differing party styles added a relatable touch to her reflections.
“Definitely a few drinks deep,” Allie laughed. “Non-pregnant Allie is not quite at Nate’s level, but definitely would have been having some fun.”
Recalling an amusing anecdote, Allie described dropping Nate off at the Elbo Room in Fort Lauderdale, a location known for spirited celebrations. Minutes later, she received videos showing Nate already taking full advantage of the party atmosphere, confirming her initial doubts about how the night would unfold.
“And exiting that, I was like, ‘This is going to be an utter disaster.’And then sure enough, it only took like 20 minutes and I was having people send me this video of Nate trying to get in, and I was like, he wasn’t even that drunk walking into it,” she added.
Although Allie expressed some regret over missing out on the Elbo Room experience herself, she hinted at the possibility of joining in during next season’s celebrations, marking it as one of her few “Florida regrets.”
Memorable Moments from the Panthers’ Championship Journey
During the conversation, Allie also discussed standout memories from the Panthers’ victory celebrations. She highlighted a favorite family photo taken on the ice, featuring Nate proudly holding the Stanley Cup with a unique upward angle, capturing a powerful moment of triumph.
“I think that one of our family on the ice of Nate holding the cup, and it’s kind of like a cool upward angle,” she said.
Another cherished image was of Allie and Nate inside the locker room, taken after their son Harvey had been taken home. This photo represented a more intimate and relaxed memory amid the whirlwind of events.
“We have one actually of Nate and I in the locker room, which is really fun. Harvey did go home, so we got to stay.”
Inclusive Atmosphere Characterized the Post-Victory Festivities
Allie reflected on how welcoming the locker room celebration felt, noting that it included not only players but their families, children, and visitors from out of town. This open environment allowed her and others to feel fully part of the moment, creating lasting memories before the offseason began.
She emphasized that this final stretch of celebrations was particularly meaningful, as it allowed the team and their loved ones to fully embrace the championship win together.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What did Nate Schmidt test positive for?
A. On September 2, 2018, the NHL revealed that Schmidt was suspended without pay after testing positive for a substance that enhances performance. The 20-game suspension was unusual because Schmidt was only the fifth NHL player suspended for performance-enhancing drugs since the league’s current agreement started in 2013.