Professional golfer Brooks Koepka has been spotted at several Florida Panthers games this season, but he truly made his presence felt on Saturday. While attending Florida's 4-3 loss to the New York Rangers, Koepka made the highlights by heckling defenseman Aaron Ekblad from a luxury suite. He used a traffic cone.
LIV Golf Superstar Brooks Koepka has a message for Aaron Ekblad.
— David R (@David954FLA) March 25, 2023
“F’ing traffic cone” #TimeToHunt pic.twitter.com/j2y7dJio0g
Perhaps the absurdity offered a momentary spot of good luck. As Koepka was filmed with his traffic cone, the Panthers actually scored a goal, which caused him to stop his routine for a moment.
Some background, now. Defensemen (and forwards) who are viewed as poor on the defensive side in hockey are sometimes referred to by fans as traffic cones (or pylons), because of how easy it is to skate around them. The jab is almost always a verbal one, as the logistics of transporting a real traffic cone into a hockey arena -- for most people -- would seem to be rife with issues.
Ekblad has had a tough season for the Panthers, missing real time due to injury. His on-ice play appears not to have impressed Koepka, either.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!